physician shortage

A physician shortage occurs when there are not enough doctors to meet the healthcare needs of the population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased workload for existing doctors, and reduced access to timely care. Factors contributing include an aging population requiring more services, a limited number of medical school graduates, and healthcare workforce challenges. This imbalance can compromise the quality of care, especially in rural or underserved areas, highlighting the need for effective strategies to recruit, train, and retain physicians to ensure adequate healthcare access for everyone.