The Physician Shortage: Projections, Causes, and Solutions
Physicians Per Population by State The ratio of physicians in active patient care-per-population for the entire United States now stands at 286 per 100,000, according to the AAMC. Below are the five states with the most physicians per capita and the five states with the fewest physicians per capital:
Physicians Per 100,000 Population by Select States
1. Massachusetts
466
46. Arkansas
215
2. Maryland
393
47. Wyoming
211
3. New York
389
48. Oklahoma
209
4. Vermont
386
49. Mississippi
196.8
5. Rhode Island
383
50. Idaho
196.1
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2022 State Physician Workforce Data Book
The maldistribution of physicians, particularly in rural areas, is a challenge that is very difficult to address, for a number of reasons. Primary among them is the lack of professional opportunities for physician spouses in many rural areas. Others include professional isolation and a dearth of cultural amenities.
In AMN Healthcare’s 2023 Survey of Final-Year Medical Residents , only 2% of new physicians coming out of training expressed a desire to practice in a community of 10,000 or fewer people.
Based on population size, in which type of community would you like to practice?
10,000 or less
2%
100,001 – 250,000
17%
10,001 – 25,000
2%
250,001 – 500,000
24%
25,001 – 50,000
6%
500,001 – 1 million
16%
50,001 – 100,000
11%
Over 1 million
22%
Source: 2023 Survey of Final-Year Medical Residents. AMN Healthcare.
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