AMA sees physician supply tightening in specialty areas

Shortages could grow, and work-force expansion plans must address the maldistribution of doctors and residency positions, medical leaders say.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. July 11, 2005.

Chicago -- There is a physician shortage out there, according to the American Medical Association, and so far it's limited to specific regions and specialties.

But it's likely to expand, and the number of medical school and residency positions should be increased to address the pending shortage, according to new AMA policy adopted at the organization's Annual Meeting here in June.

"There now appears to be a shortage of physicians," said family physician and AMA Trustee Edward L. Langston, MD. "We want to be part of the solution, and it will take time to determine and assess the need."

The AMA joins a growing number of groups predicting that demand for physician services soon will surpass the supply of doctors available.

While other groups have attempted to quantify the size and scope of this shortage, the AMA decided not to set any numerical objectives.

"Predictions can be very challenging," Dr. Langston said, with work force needs continually changing due to unforeseen population alterations, technological advances and economic shifts.

In the 1980s, many experts, including the Council on Graduate Medical Education, believed a physician surplus was developing, but by 2000 it hadn't occurred because the U.S. population grew faster than expected.

"There may be disagreement with quantitative work-force projections, [but] there is no doubt that shortages exist in at least some specialties and geographic regions," said Sandra Olson, MD, chair of the AMA Council of Medical Education. "Whatever the causes, the AMA must be able to participate in developing the solutions so as to assure appropriate access to care for patients."