Doctor Demographics & Statistics in the U.S.

Overview of U.S. Physician Demographics

Understanding the demographics of physicians in the United States provides valuable insights into the healthcare workforce. This section will provide an overview of the number of active physicians, the distribution of physicians by specialty, gender representation in the physician workforce, and the age profile of U.S. physicians.

Number of Active Physicians

The number of active physicians in the U.S. varies by specialty. According to the Association of American Medical College's "2022 Physician Specialty Data Report," internal medicine has the highest number of physicians among the 48 largest specialties in 2021, covering approximately 950,000 physicians and physicians in training. Other specialties with significant physician representation include family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Distribution of Physicians by Specialty

Physicians in the U.S. practice across a wide range of specialties. The data from the Physician Specialty Data Report in 2017, provided by the Association of American Medical College, categorizes physicians by major professional activities, including patient care, teaching, and research. The report includes information on the number of active physicians in each of the 44 specialty categories. This data enables a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of physicians across various specialties.

Gender Representation in the Physician Workforce

The gender representation in the physician workforce has been evolving over the years. Female physicians account for 36.7% of the active physician workforce in the United States. However, the percentage of female physicians varies across states, with some states having a higher representation of women in the physician workforce compared to others (AAMC). In 2021, approximately 37% of active physicians in the U.S. were women, an increase from around 36% in 2019. The percentage of female residents and fellows also increased to approximately 47% in 2021 (Healthcare Dive).

Age Profile of U.S. Physicians

The age profile of U.S. physicians provides insights into the generational dynamics within the healthcare workforce. The average age of physicians in 2021 was approximately 53.2 years old. This data, based on analysis from Definitive Healthcare, encompasses over 800,000 healthcare physicians with reported birth years. The age distribution of physicians can vary by specialty, with some specialties having a higher average age compared to others.

Understanding the overview of U.S. physician demographics, including the number of active physicians, distribution by specialty, gender representation, and age profile, provides a foundation for further exploration of trends and insights in the field of healthcare.

Trends in U.S. Physician Demographics

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it's important to analyze the trends in U.S. physician demographics. Understanding the changes in physician age, the proportions of female physicians, and the racial and ethnic diversity in the physician workforce provides valuable insights into the evolving healthcare workforce.

Changes in Physician Age

Physician age is an important factor to consider when examining the demographics of the physician workforce. As of 2021, the average age of a physician in the U.S. was 53.2 years old, based on data from Definitive Healthcare. This data was collected from over 800,000 healthcare physicians in its database with reported birth years.

The average age of healthcare providers in the U.S. is projected to be 53.9 years old as of 2023, based on an analysis of more than 810,000 providers tracked in the Definitive Healthcare PhysicianView product. This analysis takes into account various sources, including proprietary research, the NPI Registry, and Physician Compare. In comparison, the median age of the U.S. labor force is 41.8 years old (Definitive Healthcare).

When examining age by medical specialty, cardiac surgeons have the highest average age at 59 years old, making them the medical specialty with the oldest doctors. Adult medicine and general practice doctors closely follow with an average age of 58 years old each. On the other end of the spectrum, hospitalists are the youngest doctors in the analysis, with an average age of 44 years old. Pediatric rehabilitation medicine providers have the second youngest average age at 46 years old.

Proportions of Female Physicians

The representation of female physicians in the workforce has been steadily increasing over the years. In the U.S., female physicians make up approximately 36.7% of the active physician population, with variations across states where they can account for about 40% in some states and less than 30% in others (AAMC).

Between 2019 and 2021, the percentage of female physicians in the U.S. increased from approximately 36% to about 37% overall. This increase is also evident among residents and fellows, with around 47% being women in 2021 (Healthcare Dive).

However, despite the growing representation of women in the physician workforce, gender disparities persist. Female physicians continue to face an earnings disparity, with an average of $2 million less in earnings over the course of their careers compared to their male counterparts. In surgical specialties, male physicians earn approximately $2.5 million more than female physicians, while in primary care, male physicians earn about $900,000 more over their careers.

The distribution of female physicians across medical specialties also varies. Women accounted for 65% of active physicians in pediatrics, highlighting their strong representation in this field. Conversely, women represented only about 6% in orthopedic surgery. Obstetrics and gynecology residencies had the highest representation of women at 86%, while sports medicine had the lowest at nearly 11% (Healthcare Dive).

Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Physician Workforce

Racial and ethnic diversity in the physician workforce is an important aspect of healthcare equity and access. In 2021, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) included race and ethnicity data for the first time in their report. The data revealed that approximately 64% of practicing physicians in the U.S. were White, around 20% were Asian, about 7% were Hispanic, and roughly 6% were Black.

Increasing the representation of underrepresented minority physicians is a priority to ensure culturally competent care and address health disparities. Efforts are being made to enhance diversity in medical education and increase opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine. These initiatives aim to create a healthcare workforce that better reflects the diverse patient populations it serves.

Analyzing the trends in U.S. physician demographics provides valuable insights into the evolving healthcare landscape. By understanding changes in physician age, the proportions of female physicians, and the racial and ethnic diversity in the physician workforce, stakeholders can work towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

Geographic Variations in Physician Demographics

The distribution of physicians across different states in the U.S. varies significantly. Some states have higher concentrations of physicians per capita, while others have lower concentrations. In this section, we will explore the states with the highest physician concentrations as well as those with the lowest physician concentrations.

States with the Highest Physician Concentrations

Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island are among the states with the highest concentrations of active physicians per capita in the U.S.. These states have a robust healthcare system and are home to renowned medical institutions. The high concentration of physicians in these states ensures better access to healthcare services for their residents.

Let's take a look at the top three states with the highest physician concentrations:

Figures courtesy of Becker's ASC Review

States with the Lowest Physician Concentrations

While some states have a high concentration of physicians, others have a lower number of physicians per capita. Idaho, for example, has the lowest number of physicians per capita, with only 196.1 physicians per 100,000 residents. The lower physician concentration in these states may pose challenges in terms of healthcare access and availability.

Here are a few states with the lowest physician concentrations:

Figures courtesy of Becker's ASC Review

Understanding the geographic variations in physician concentrations is essential for policymakers and healthcare organizations to address healthcare disparities and ensure adequate access to medical services across all states. It also highlights the need for targeted efforts to recruit and retain physicians in areas with lower physician concentrations.

Insights into Physician Licensing

The licensing process is a vital aspect of a physician's career, ensuring that they meet the necessary qualifications to practice medicine. In this section, we will delve into two key insights related to physician licensing: the number of physicians with multiple licenses and new license issuance trends.

Number of Physicians with Multiple Licenses

A significant number of physicians in the United States hold multiple active licenses. According to the Journal of Medical Regulation, nearly one-quarter (24%), or 247,424, of the nation's physicians have two or more active licenses. This figure represents an increase from 23% in the previous year.

Having multiple licenses allows physicians to practice in different states or jurisdictions. It can provide them with flexibility in their careers, enabling them to serve patients in various locations and respond to regional healthcare needs. The ability to hold multiple licenses reflects the mobility and adaptability of the physician workforce.

New License Issuance Trends

The issuance of new licenses is an important indicator of the growth and vitality of the physician workforce. In recent years, there has been a notable trend in the number of new licenses being issued.

According to the same report from the Journal of Medical Regulation, state medical boards issued a record high of 129,427 new licenses in 2022. This represents a significant increase of 27% compared to the number of new licenses issued in 2020.

The surge in new license issuance reflects the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals and the need to ensure adequate access to medical services across the country. The increase in new licenses suggests a growing interest in the medical field and a commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of diverse communities.

The availability of new licenses offers opportunities for aspiring physicians to enter the workforce and contribute their skills and expertise to the healthcare system. It also underscores the importance of medical education and training programs in preparing qualified professionals to meet the evolving healthcare landscape.

Understanding the number of physicians with multiple licenses and the trends in new license issuance provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the physician workforce. These insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the demographics and statistics surrounding physicians in the United States.

Gender Disparities in the Physician Workforce

The physician workforce in the United States experiences gender disparities across various aspects, including earnings and distribution across medical specialties. These disparities shed light on the challenges faced by female physicians in the industry.

Earnings Disparity Between Male and Female Physicians

Female physicians, on average, earn significantly less than their male counterparts over the course of their careers. According to Healthcare Dive, female physicians earn an average of $2 million less than male physicians throughout their careers. The earnings disparity is particularly pronounced in surgical specialties, where male physicians earn approximately $2.5 million more than female physicians. In primary care, male physicians earn around $900,000 more than their female counterparts over their careers.

Gender Distribution Across Medical Specialties

The distribution of physicians across medical specialties also reflects gender disparities. Women are well-represented in certain specialties, while being underrepresented in others. According to Healthcare Dive, women account for 65% of active physicians in pediatrics, highlighting their significant presence in this field. On the other hand, women make up only about 6% of physicians in orthopedic surgery, indicating a significant gender gap in this specialty.

The gender disparities in medical specialties become more evident when considering specific residencies. For instance, women make up a substantial 86% of obstetrics and gynecology residencies, highlighting their dominance in this field. Conversely, women represent only around 11% of sports medicine residencies, indicating a significant underrepresentation in this area as per Healthcare Dive.

These disparities can vary across states. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the percentage of female physicians ranges from about 40% in some states to less than 30% in others. However, the overall representation of women in the physician workforce has been increasing over time. In 2021, approximately 37% of active physicians in the U.S. were women, an increase from around 36% in 2019. Additionally, about 47% of residents and fellows were women in 2021 (Healthcare Dive).

Understanding and addressing these gender disparities is crucial for promoting equality and diversity in the physician workforce. Efforts to close the earnings gap and increase representation of women in various medical specialties can contribute to a more balanced and inclusive healthcare system.

Emerging Trends in Physician Demographics

As the landscape of healthcare evolves, certain trends in physician demographics are emerging. In this section, we will explore two significant trends: the increase in sports medicine as a specialty and the availability of race and ethnicity data in the physician workforce.

Increase in Sports Medicine Specialty

Over the past few years, there has been a notable increase in interest in sports medicine as a medical specialty. According to data from 2016 to 2021, the number of practicing physicians in sports medicine has risen from 2,252 to 3,208 (Healthcare Dive). This growth indicates a significant surge in interest and demand for healthcare professionals with expertise in sports-related injuries and conditions.

The field of sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries sustained during physical activities. It encompasses various disciplines such as orthopedics, physical therapy, and exercise physiology. With the increasing emphasis on sports and fitness in society, the demand for specialized care in this area has grown.

The rise in sports medicine as a specialty is not limited to practicing physicians alone. The number of residents and fellows pursuing sports medicine has also seen significant growth, increasing by approximately 27% during the same period (Healthcare Dive). This trend suggests a promising future for this field, with a new generation of medical professionals focusing on the specific needs of athletes and active individuals.

Race and Ethnicity Data in the Physician Workforce

Understanding the racial and ethnic makeup of the physician workforce is essential for promoting diversity and addressing healthcare disparities. In recent years, efforts have been made to collect and analyze data regarding the race and ethnicity of physicians.

By examining race and ethnicity data, healthcare organizations and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the representation and distribution of physicians among different racial and ethnic groups. This data helps identify potential disparities in access to healthcare and inform targeted strategies to address these inequities.

While comprehensive nationwide data on race and ethnicity in the physician workforce is still being developed, there is a growing recognition of the importance of collecting this information. The availability of such data will contribute to a better understanding of the demographics of healthcare providers and support initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and cultural competency in the medical field.

As efforts continue to advance, it is expected that the collection and analysis of race and ethnicity data in the physician workforce will become more widespread. This will enable healthcare organizations and policymakers to implement targeted interventions and policies that address disparities and ensure equitable access to quality care for patients from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

In conclusion, the emerging trends in physician demographics reflect the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry. The increasing interest in sports medicine as a specialty highlights the importance of catering to the unique healthcare needs of athletes and active individuals. Simultaneously, the availability of race and ethnicity data in the physician workforce is a step toward addressing healthcare disparities and promoting diversity in healthcare delivery. These trends contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system, ultimately benefiting patients and communities across the United States.

Sources

https://www.aamc.org/data-based-look-america-s-physicians-and-medical-students-state-state

https://www.healthcaredive.com/us-physician-workforce-women-specialties

https://www.definitivehc.com/healthcare-insights/average-provider-age-medical-specialty

https://www.beckersasc.com/physicians-per-capita-in-all-50-states

https://meridian.allenpress.com/Census-of-Licensed-Physicians-in-the-United

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