A less inclusive physician workforce could significantly worsen the projected nationwide shortage of approximately 86,000 physicians by 2036. Research shows that lack of diversity not only limits physician supply, but it can also reduce access, quality, and outcomes in healthcare, making the physician shortfall even more critical.
The Projected Physician Shortage
By 2036, the U.S. is expected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors, with some studies estimating different figures but all agreeing the gap is substantial and will grow over time. The most severe shortages are projected in primary care and specific regions like the South and West, which already struggle with adequate access.
Why Inclusivity Matters
A diverse physician workforce doesn’t only reflect the population better; research consistently shows it provides tangible health benefits. Physicians from underrepresented backgrounds are more likely to work in underserved areas and serve vulnerable patients, lowering barriers to care and improving health equity for marginalized groups.
A less inclusive workforce means fewer professionals willing or able to fill these shortages, especially in high-need communities. For example, Black patients report greater satisfaction and adherence to treatments when cared for by Black physicians, highlighting the importance of workforce-patient concordance for outcomes.
Economic and Performance Benefits
Studies also demonstrate that diversity in medical teams leads to:
- Improved innovation and communication
- Better risk assessment and patient care quality
- Enhanced financial results for healthcare organizations
Without deliberate efforts to cultivate diverse teams, the healthcare system risks both poorer outcomes and a diminished ability to respond to population needs.
Policy and System Solutions
Experts argue that solving the physician shortage requires both expanding medical training opportunities (such as increasing residency slots) and breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups to enter and advance in medicine. Legislative support and investment in inclusive training pipelines are key to both enlarging and diversifying the workforce.
Increasing diversity is not just about fairness; it is an essential strategy to address the physician shortage and ensure our healthcare is strong, effective, and equitable for all.