Health

United States faces projected shortage of 187,000 physicians by mid-2030s

The Hill · September 12, 2026Original source ↗

United States faces projected shortage of 187,000 physicians by mid-2030s

What happened

The United States is expected to have a deficit of approximately 187,000 physicians by the mid-2030s. This shortage is attributed to a federal cap on residency funding that was established in 1997.

Why it matters

This projected physician shortage could impact access to medical care for the population.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are seeking medical care?

This physician shortage could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to healthcare services. As a result, you may find it more difficult to receive timely medical attention for your health concerns.

Want this written about you?

The breakdown above is the shared version, for kinds of people. In the app, Ripple uses your job, your city, and your family, then writes that part about you.

Get your Ripple