Why the U.S. Physician Shortage is Every Clinic’s Business Risk

The U.S. healthcare system is grappling with a critical and growing challenge: a shortage of physicians that threatens patient care, clinic profitability, and the sustainability of healthcare delivery across the country.

According to the AAMC, we could be facing a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, driven by rising demand, retiring clinicians, and an underwhelming recruitment pipeline. But while the headlines focus on national statistics, the impact is painfully local — and deeply personal for the clinics and hospitals struggling to recruit.

The Hidden Cost of Vacancies

What happens when a physician's role remains unfilled? The numbers are stark:

• The average time to recruit a primary care doctor is 125 days

• For specialities like cardiology, it’s even longer — 135+ days

• Each unfilled role can cost a healthcare organisation between $7,000 and $9,000 per day in lost revenue

For a health system with dozens of vacancies, the financial and operational toll quickly becomes unsustainable.

A New Generation with New Priorities

The next generation of physicians isn’t just looking for a salary. They want mentorship, support, balance, and purpose. Many are turning away from traditional hospital work in favour of locum tenens, concierge models, or international relocation, where the administrative burden is lower and lifestyle perks are higher.

To attract them, clinics must evolve.

What Can You Do?

Whether you’re running a rural walk-in or a large urban network, the response needs to be proactive:

• Streamline your hiring process — Reduce time-to-offer and remove internal delays

• Tell your story — Invest in employer branding that reflects your values, culture, and flexibility

• Be competitive — Understand the full market value of your offer (salary, autonomy, overhead split, support staff)

• Partner smartly — Work with recruiters who specialise in physician markets and can reach passive candidates

  
  

It’s Not Just a Shortage, It’s a Wake-Up Call

The physician shortage isn’t coming, it’s already here. Clinics that fail to adapt risk falling further behind in a market that favours candidates, not employers. But those who move decisively, with a clear strategy and compelling proposition, can still attract top-tier talent.

At Merrick Global Talent, we work directly with clinics that want to win in this competitive environment. If you’d like to talk through your hiring challenges, let’s have a confidential conversation.