Doctor shortage in Ohio, U.S. expected to worsen

A looming primary care physician shortage has medical schools and hospital systems looking for ways to attract new doctors to the field (Source: “Doctor shortage to worsen, patients could pay more for fewer options,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Aug. 11, 2019).

The shortage could make it harder for patients to see a primary care physician, increase health disparities among the underserved and raise costs as patients turn to the more-expensive emergency room for care, said Dr. Patricia Thomas, vice dean for medical education at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

By 2025, Ohio is projected to be shy 1,200 primary care physicians, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nationwide, the number could be as high as 55,200 by 2032, according to a more recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges.