This paper examines the physician shortage as the most pressing challenge facing American healthcare delivery. Drawing on projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the paper identifies three primary drivers: expanded patient demand under the Affordable Care Act, the increasing care needs of an aging Baby Boomer population, and declining professional incentives that discourage entry into the medical field. Together, these forces are straining an already limited physician workforce and threaten the long-term sustainability of healthcare in the United States. The paper argues that addressing this shortage is essential to the country's healthcare future.
One of the most critical challenges facing the future of healthcare delivery in America is a shortage of physicians. The Association of American Medical Colleges (2013) projected that there will be a demand for approximately 100,000 doctors by the end of the decade, and for nearly 131,000 doctors by 2025 (AAMC). There are several factors that have contributed to this shortage and that are placing increased demands on the physicians who are available. Addressing this shortage is essential for American healthcare to survive in the coming decades.
Recent legislation pertaining to healthcare has exacerbated the demand for physicians and highlighted the fact that there may not be enough of them to meet the country's impending healthcare needs. The Affordable Care Act made it mandatory for virtually everyone in the country to obtain health coverage. Moreover, individuals who were previously denied healthcare because of pre-existing conditions, or who were considered too great a risk to insure, now have access to care. The result is that more people are seeking the services of doctors and healthcare professionals than ever before, which requires more professionals to treat them. There simply are not enough doctors to meet this demand at this point.
The shortage is also greatly attributed to an increasingly aging population. Advancements in science and technology have enabled people to receive better care and live longer than was possible in previous generations. Consequently, the considerable Baby Boomer generation is growing older and will require greater amounts of treatment commensurate with the needs of an aging population. These individuals will routinely require healthcare services that involve doctors, a fact complicated by the reality that "physician shortages will impact primary care more than other specialties" (Gordon, 2014). Although the overall number of people requiring care remains the same, the aging Baby Boomer population contributes to the doctor shortage because they will need more of it. The additional care that this generation necessitates places another burden on physicians in the United States.
"Poor work conditions deter entry into medical careers"
In summary, the shortage of doctors is the most significant issue affecting the future of healthcare in the United States. It is largely driven by greater numbers of patients, an aging population that requires more care, and rising demands combined with decreased benefits associated with the occupation.
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