The surgical workforce: averting a patient access crisis.
This article examines the state of the medical and surgical workforce, and how business-based and economic principles such as supply and demand have continued to shape it. Specifically, this article focuses on the following topics: past and present efforts to determine physician supply; where workforce shortages are most apparent at this time; and the factors that are contributing to the current shortfalls and their broader implications. In addition, the author looks ahead to determine what changes we need to support, promote, and make to meet our patients' evolving needs and expectations.
Russell
Thomas R
TR
American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611-3211, USA. trussell@facs.org
D004470:Economics, Medical; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000639:trends; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D013502:General Surgery; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce