Physician specialties will reach high demands across all sectors, but the list below will give you an overview of the most needed. Each specialties demand was showcased on the Doximity US Physician Employment Report 2019. Undeniably, this report was before the pandemic, yet this list’s relevancy remains.

1.   Family Physicians

Currently, family physicians are one of the most well-known doctors within the healthcare sector. They diagnose, treat diseases, and injuries to the public. Because of this, they’re the first point of contact for many individuals that require health care assistance.

Employment shortage:  As mentioned, family physicians play a significant role within the public for an array of different health-related problems. The AAMC suggests that there could be a shortage of primary care physicians between 21,400 and 55,200, based on current employment/retirement rates.

2.   Internists

Less common physicians are internists, and they diagnose/perform non-surgical treatment of either injuries or diseases to the internal organ system. Mainly, they care for adults, making them a high demanding specialty in the future. Considering that one in five Americans will be 65 by 2030, you can further understand why it’ll be in demand.

Employment shortage: Because of many reports, the AAMC has concluded that America could encounter a primary care shortage of 55,200. Therefore, making it a highly demanding job role in the future.

3.   Emergency Physicians

Emergency physicians are individuals that specialize in emergency medicine. The job requires a healthcare specialist to be a quick-thinker to address potentially life-threating situations rapidly. They work efficiently to quickly evaluate, diagnose, and stabilize patients, making it an incredibly demanding job.

Employment shortage: The overall demographic of emergency physicians is becoming old and will soon retire. This website suggests that the median age for a physician is 50 years old. Due to their significance in society and their age, they’ll be a demanding specialty in the coming years.

4.   Psychiatrists

Moving further away from physical healthcare is psychiatrists. These individuals treat people suffering from mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Typically, they undergo psychological tests and laboratory work to diagnose patients and treat them accordingly.

Employment shortage:  Merrit Hawkins suggests that psychiatrists will experience a shortage similar to emergency physicians. The shortage can be expected from an imbalanced ratio between the soon-retired psychiatrist and those graduating from psychiatry residencies in a few years.

5.   Obstetricians and gynecologists

Obstetricians and gynecologists (or referred to as OB/GYNs) offer medical care related solely to the female reproductive system. Therefore, they treat diseases or injuries based on pregnancy and childbirth.

Employment shortage: Within this report from the AAMC, they’re categorized as surgical specialists. Therefore, it’s suggested that obstetricians and gynecologists will fall short by 28,700 before 2033.

Unquestionably, there’s never been such a significant shortage within our healthcare sector than today. The rate of learning, employment, population growth, and retirement are unbalanced, making it remarkably difficult for the healthcare sector. However, with medical technology being heavily invested in, these shortages can be controlled before they become prominent issues in the future.

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