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By the end of 2024, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 64,000 physicians.

By the end of 2024, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 64,000 physicians.

Here are the key statistics from the article:

  1. Physician Shortage
    • By the end of 2024, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 64,000 physicians.
    • By 2036, this deficit could grow to as many as 86,000 physicians.
    • About 20% of clinical physicians are aged 65 or older, nearing retirement.
  2. Physician Turnover
    • 35% of surveyed physicians are likely to leave their current roles in the next five years.
    • Of those likely to leave:
      • 60% plan to leave clinical practice entirely.
      • Among those aged 54–64, 59% cite early retirement or exiting care delivery as their next step.
      • Among those under 54, 37% consider early retirement or exiting care delivery.
  3. Interest in Changing Jobs
    • 58% of respondents report an increased desire to change jobs in the past year (up from 43% in the prior survey).
    • 72% of physicians are approached about alternative job offers at least monthly.
    • 50% are approached about alternative job offers weekly.
  4. Reasons for Leaving
    • 69% cite higher remuneration as a factor.
    • 69% cite family needs and competing life demands.
    • 66% mention the demanding nature of their work.
    • 65% point to the emotional toll of their roles.
    • 61% reference the physical toll of their roles.
  5. Workload and Well-being
    • 52% of those working more than 60 hours weekly report burnout.
    • 66% of those dissatisfied with their schedules report burnout.
    • 32% of those unhappy with their schedules are likely to leave in the next year, compared to 23% of those working more than 60 hours.
  6. Work Flexibility
    • 87% say the ability to take time off is important.
    • 77% value finding coverage when needed.
    • 69% highlight the importance of working specific hours.
    • 38% indicate the ability to work remotely is important.
  7. Inclusion in Decision Making
    • Over 60% of respondents expect to be consulted or have a vote on major decisions.
  8. Delegation of Tasks
    • Physicians report spending nearly 20% of their clinical time on tasks that could be delegated.
    • 42% of delegable tasks could be handled by advanced practice professionals (hospital-based physicians report the highest percentage).