Not Enough Doctors

By Dr. Jessica Wu
Residen

When you made the important decision to become a doctor, you most likely knew what a large undertaking it would be. With several years of intense studies, followed by residency, along with student loan debt, it’s a career decision that required immense dedication. Unfortunately, it’s a profession fewer Americans are choosing. In fact, the U.S. is facing a massive doctor shortage that’s predicted to become even worse over the next decade.

First, the number of young doctors is declining. The cost of medical school alone—the average debt is about $200,000—is enough to frighten many would-be physicians into alternative career paths. Plus, with soaring staffing and rent costs, it’s more difficult than ever to open private practices. Bottom line: prospective doctors believe they can’t achieve the successful medical careers they desire, so they steer their careers in other directions.

On the other end of the spectrum, an ever-increasing number of older doctors are opting to retire early, leaving huge holes in the medical community. Whether they experience burnout, which is at an all-time high, or they simply want to travel, enjoy time with family, or pursue other passions, the outcome is still the same: fewer available doctors.

The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the U.S. will experience a shortage of nearly 55,000 to 140,000 physicians by 2033, in both primary care and specialty fields, with primary care the hardest hit. That is an undeniable public health crisis. Patients who need care simply won’t be able to find it.

To solve the doctor shortage, we need a paradigm shift in medical practice.  For physicians who don’t want a long-term lease commitment nor wish to work as an employee to enrich a hospital, platform, or other employer, Residen provides another path.  We offer a network of flexible, affordable shared medical office space that gives doctors control over their schedule and work environment while minimizing overhead .

For young doctors seeking to start their own practices, Residen can control costs by supplying medical office space at affordable prices with little to no staffing requirements.  For more mature physicians who are not yet ready to retire, or for any physician who wishes to practice at a less hectic pace, Residen allows them the flexibility to choose the days and times that they want to see patients, with no long-term lease commitment.

Can Residen help you achieve your medical practice goals?