Yes, that’s right, according to a recent study, the United States could have a shortage of up to 120,000 physicians across the country by 2030. That might seem a long way off, but if you started medical school today, you’d be in the midst of your career in 2030.

The research shows increasing physician shortages in both primary and specialty healthcare.

The study, The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand:Projections from 2016 to 2030 recently published by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) and conducted by the Life Science division of IHS Markit, aligns with previous similar studies conducted annually over the last four years. The study projects a shortage of between 42,600 and 121,300 by 2030.

Reasons for the Projected Shortage of Physicians

The following are among the reasons for the shortage cited in the study’s report.

Population Increase

Despite the political climate, the U.S. is expected to continue to attract immigrants in addition to natural population growth. The national population is expected to increase by 11% in the next 12 years.

Aging Population

As the massive Baby Boom generation continues to age, there will be unprecedented pressure on the medical community to meet their needs for health care. In contrast to the national population increase of 11%, there is an expected 50% increase in the population of those aged 65 and over.

Decreasing Numbers of Physicians

Many physicians are Baby Boomers too. As they continue to retire, it is expected their departure from medicine will have the greatest impact on the number of practicing physicians.

Caribbean Medical Schools give You an Option

If you have had difficulty applying and being accepted to a medical school in the United States, you’re not alone. And the news that there is a projected shortage of physicians in the near future can be frustrating.

But a medical degree from a U.S. university isn’t your only option to be able to practice medicine in the U.S..

The curricula in many Caribbean Medical Schools are based on the U.S. model. That means you can get residency across the U.S. if you study for your medical degree at a school in the Caribbean.

Of course, like all universities, some Caribbean Medical Schools are better than others. Students from the better schools are more readily accepted for residency positions in the U.S..

Enrolment in Caribbean Medical Schools increases significantly every year. To increase your chances of being accepted at a better school, it pays to apply and more than one. UMCAS continues to add some of the best medical schools in the Caribbean to our platform. That makes it faster, easier and more stress-free for you to apply to a number of the better schools from one place. To learn more, check out our list of medical schools abroad or contact UMCAS today.