Preparing for your Future Patients: AAMC Physician Workforce Projections

Check out the AAMC report on The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2019 to 2034 to gain some insight into the future of medical practice in the U.S.  One key finding: “The population under age 18 is projected to grow by 5.6%, which portends low growth in demand for pediatric specialties. The population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 42.4% — primarily due to the 74.0% growth in size of the population age 75 and older. This trend portends high growth in demand for physician specialties that predominantly care for older Americans” (viii).

While trends and forecasts should not dictate your decisions, when choosing extracurricular and service commitments in anticipation of a career in the health professions, it makes sense to spend at least some time off campus, getting to know people of different ages and backgrounds.

By Carol Hagan
Carol Hagan Senior Associate Director, Graduate School Advising