healthcare workforce shortages

Healthcare workforce shortages occur when there are not enough trained healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and technicians, to meet the needs of everyone seeking medical care. This can lead to longer wait times, overworked staff, and reduced access to quality healthcare. Causes include an aging workforce nearing retirement, limited capacity to train new workers, and increasing healthcare demands from aging populations and chronic diseases. Addressing these shortages requires investment in education, retention strategies, and workforce planning to ensure that healthcare systems can effectively serve communities now and in the future.