Pennsylvania needs at least 1,000 doctors by 2030, says report
Photo by Ben Allen/witf
(Harrisburg) — Pennsylvania needs more doctors – and soon.
“People are able to access care in a timely fashion right now. But what the future looks like is what we’re concerned about because we have an aging physician population,” says Karen Rizzo, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
The report from a state commission shows Pennsylvania needs another 1,000 doctors by 2030 to keep up with demand.
Past reports have used similar numbers.
“I think we have an opportunity to minimize that shortage if we do things now to prepare for it, anticipating the growing population, where the need will be, and the fact that retiring physicians will need to be replaced,” says Rizzo.
To meet the demand, the commission recommends a batch of changes, including higher loan repayments and more residency slots.
History shows a residency is one of the best ways to keep medical students in a state once they are able practice on their own.
The state report also recommends a pipeline program to prepare medical students to work in rural and underserved area.
Rizzo says surveys show physicians in the state are older and considering retirement, and fewer younger physicians are stepping in to fill the void.
Groups that represent physician assistants and nurse practitioners have pushed for expanded responsibilities to help fill in the gaps.
The Legislature would have to okay any changes in such an instance.
This article appeared originally on WITF.
