Facing the Future: How to Tackle the Projected 86,000 Physician Shortage by 2036
The U.S. healthcare system is staring down a major workforce crisis. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the country could see a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by the year 2036. This forecast is not just a number—it signals rising wait times, increased provider burnout, and widening gaps in access to care.
This blog dives into what this means, what’s causing it, and—most importantly—what medical practices can do now to prepare.
📉 What’s Driving the Shortage?
Several key factors are contributing to this alarming projection:
Retirement Boom: Over 40% of active physicians will be 65 or older within the next decade.
Medical School Bottlenecks: While applications are rising, residency positions remain capped due to federal funding limits.
Burnout and Turnover: A 2023 MGMA report found burnout to be the top reason physicians are exiting the profession prematurely.
Population Growth & Aging: As more Americans age into Medicare, the demand for primary and specialty care is rising sharply.
📊 Negative Impacts on Medical Practices
According to industry studies, the shortage is already triggering:
75% of practices report longer wait times
68% report higher physician burnout
60% report worse patient outcomes
55% report rising operational costs
This ripple effect compromises quality of care, burdens staff, and frustrates patients—threatening both revenue and reputation.
💡 4 Strategic Moves to Recruit and Retain Physicians
Amid the challenges, there are actionable strategies practices can use to stay competitive in this tight labor market:
🚀 1. Promote from Within
Invest in upskilling your current staff. Medical assistants and nurse practitioners can take on expanded roles through training, creating a leadership pipeline that’s already loyal to your practice.
⚙️ 2. Streamline Onboarding with Technology
Digital tools for credentialing, compliance, and scheduling reduce bottlenecks and improve the onboarding experience, speeding up time-to-productivity by up to 40%.
🌐 3. Expand Remote & Hybrid Work Options
Physicians increasingly seek work-life balance. By offering part-time telehealth or hybrid models, you attract out-of-state talent and reduce burnout risks.
💬 4. Recruit for Cultural Fit
Credentials matter—but so does connection. A transparent hiring process that communicates your practice values helps bring in professionals aligned with your mission, improving retention long-term.
📈 Positive Practice Responses to the Shortage
Many forward-looking organizations are already turning the tide:
65% are investing in telehealth to fill service gaps
58% are adopting team-based care models
52% are incorporating AI-driven workflows to reduce manual tasks
48% report success with flexible scheduling
These solutions not only enhance care delivery but improve provider satisfaction—essential in an era of burnout.
🔍 What This Means for You
The physician shortage isn’t just a future crisis—it’s a current opportunity. Practices that rethink staffing, embrace technology, and humanize recruitment will not only survive, but thrive.
🔵 Looking for ways to reduce staffing burdens and improve provider satisfaction through remote care technology?
