If you work in the healthcare industry, “physician shortage” is a familiar phrase.
In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a potential shortage of over 40,000 primary care doctors by 2036 – a statistic that’s reflected in our own Trends in Locums Tenens report for 2025.
What’s the underlying cause? In this article, we’ll explore the systemic pressures, evolving demands, and unforeseen circumstances contributing to this predicament – and how locum tenens offers a sustainable solution.
Physician Shortage: Contributing Factors
The current physician shortage is not a sudden development, but rather the culmination of trends that have been unfolding over several decades.
Fewer students studying medicine
To begin, a concerning trend highlighted by Newsweek in early 2010 noted a significant decline: “the annual number of medical students who go into primary care has dropped by more than half since 1997.” This unfortunate reality has seen little improvement in the years since.
The Silver Tsunami
Additionally, the United States is experiencing a demographic shift of unprecedented proportions, with a significant segment of its population entering their senior years. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “silver tsunami,” is creating a multifaceted challenge for the nation’s healthcare system.
One major implication of this is a projected surge in physician retirements. As healthcare providers themselves age, many are opting to scale back their practices or leave the profession entirely, exacerbating existing shortages across specialties. This outflow of experienced medical professionals leaves a vacuum, making it increasingly difficult to meet healthcare needs.
Simultaneously, the aging population naturally leads to a heightened demand for ongoing medical care. Older patients are more prone to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and neurological disorders, all of which require consistent management, regular check-ups, and often, specialized interventions.
The wake of COVID-19
The long-term effects of COVID-19 cannot be overstated. Healthcare professionals are reporting unprecedented levels of burnout due to physical and emotional stress caused by the pandemic.
The cumulative effect of these factors places immense pressure on healthcare infrastructure, resources, and staffing.
Our Findings
To understand the impact of the physician shortage on the healthcare professionals and organizations we partner with, we conducted a survey to gather their firsthand accounts.
Nearly half of providers report a surge in job opportunities, highlighting increased demand and more available positions than ever before.
Internal medicine physician, Dr. Glen W, notes, “Compared to a few years ago, there are noticeably more options and avenues to explore.”
On the facilities side of the equation, nearly 40% of organizations express that the physician shortage has become problematic for their facility, with 92% reporting they’re experiencing staffing shortages right now.
The effects of this are particularly felt in rural communities, many of which were already facing gaps in staffing.
How Locum Tenens Can Help
Once viewed as a short-term fix, locum tenens has evolved into a strategic necessity.
This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the complexities of physician shortages, burnout, and the need for adaptable and efficient staffing models.
Deep understanding is exactly what we do here at Consilium. Through comprehensive research into the drivers behind trends in locum tenens, we’re able to offer timely, relevant counsel that helps you make informed decisions.
We understand the intricate challenges that healthcare providers and organizations face – and we’re dedicated to continuous learning to ensure we offer expert guidance.
Get in touch to learn more about how we tailor locum tenens solutions for healthcare organizations and professionals.
