The past decade has brought tremendous change to the healthcare industry. From the rapid adoption of telemedicine to the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and charting, innovation has redefined the patient and provider experience. Meanwhile, healthcare systems and private practices have faced mounting challenges, including workforce shortages, escalating costs, and evolving regulations, causing organizations to adapt. However, one consistency year to year is the high demand for physicians and advanced practice providers. Looking ahead to 2025, the need for physicians will only increase. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000 physicians by 2036, with shortages in both primary care and specialty areas. What does all of this mean for the physician job search in 2025? Keep reading to understand the factors impacting the physician job market and discover what you can do to set yourself up for physician job search success in the year ahead.
The Ongoing Physician Shortage
Since the AAMC began projecting a physician shortage in the 2010s, demand for healthcare services has only grown. This is driven by an aging population, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and heightened awareness of the benefits of preventative care. Compounding the problem, as demand for healthcare services increases, a generation of Baby Boomer physicians is retiring, causing a spike in the number of physicians leaving the profession.
The ever-increasing demand for physicians drives recruitment incentives and occasionally changes physician compensation models as organizations vie to attract candidates from the limited talent pool. Flexible schedules, ample time off, and positive work cultures are also critical in recruiting and retaining talent.
Factors Impacting the Physician Job Outlook
- Primary Care Crisis: The AAMC’s projections regarding primary care are especially concerning as they mean decreased access to basic medical care in many communities already facing healthcare disparities. The shortage of primary care physicians is partly due to fewer medical graduates opting for primary care residencies. This is likely driven, at least in part, by the physician compensation gap between primary care physicians and non-primary care specialties. Additionally, concerns about work-life balance hold some back from pursuing primary care. A recent study found primary care physicians would need to work 26.7 hours per day to provide the recommended levels of care for a typical patient panel of 2,500. Hiring organizations are getting creative to attract and retain primary care physicians by offering more flexibility, administrative support, and, where possible, enhanced compensation.
- Expanding Care Delivery Models: Physicians are no longer limited to employment with healthcare systems or private practices. As care delivery models evolve, physicians can explore opportunities with retail clinics, concierge medical groups, urgent care clinics, telemedicine companies, and private equity groups. Pharmaceutical and insurance companies also recruit physicians to provide input and guide strategy.
- Increased Usage of Advanced Practice Providers: The number of advanced practice providers is rising, and organizations are turning to APPs to fill coverage gaps. Physicians work collaboratively with APPs to provide seamless care for patients in need. The increased utilization of APPs affords physicians flexibility that is often not possible otherwise.
- Decreasing Medicare Reimbursements: While organizations are feeling the pressure to raise compensation to win over candidates, for many, the reduction in Medicare reimbursements will mean there is less money to go around. As a result, these organizations will lean into flexible schedules and the promise of a healthy work-life balance to attract and retain talent.
Physician Job Search Tips for 2025
Opportunities abound for physicians seeking employment in 2025, but this doesn’t mean the job search is easy. Demand varies by location and specialty, so physicians must keep an open mind regarding location and be aware of the market trends for their specialty. Whether seeking your first physician job, making a mid-career move, or looking for an opportunity to help you transition into retirement, the following steps will set you up for job search success.
- Define Your Career Goals: Clarify your preferred practice model, work environment, and desired locations. Understanding these factors will help you target opportunities that align with your aspirations.
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Develop a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your education, certifications, and relevant experiences. Create a customizable cover letter template and compile a list of professional references to streamline the application process.
- Utilize Physician Job Boards and Alerts: Explore physician job boards and networking sites like LinkedIn and Doximity. Set up job alerts to receive notifications about new opportunities that match your criteria.
- Network Professionally: Engage with mentors, colleagues, and alums to learn about potential job openings. Attend industry conferences and events to expand your professional connections.
- Consult a Physician Recruiter: Contact a physician recruiter who can provide insights into the job market, advise on suitable opportunities, and assist with recruitment.
- Research Potential Employers: Investigate prospective employers to understand their organizational culture, values, and reputation. This knowledge will help you assess compatibility and make informed decisions.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and develop thoughtful questions to ask potential employers. This preparation will help you present yourself confidently and assess whether the position meets your expectations.
- Evaluate Job Offers Carefully: Assess each job offer by considering compensation, benefits, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth. Ensure the position aligns with your personal and career goals.
- Maintain Flexibility: While having clear goals is essential, remain open to adjusting your preferences as you learn more about available opportunities. Flexibility can lead to discovering roles that are a great fit, even if they differ from your initial expectations.
The healthcare industry continues to evolve, but the high demand for physicians remains consistent. Understanding physician shortage projections and the factors impacting the physician job market will help you determine how best to position yourself in the current market. Stay informed, be flexible, and work with a trusted physician recruiter to help you achieve your physician job search goals in the year ahead.
Whether you are launching your first physician job search in 2025, simply seeking a new opportunity, or looking to wind down your career, the team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to find out what you are looking for and help you identify opportunities that will be the best fit. Reach out to a recruiter today or search for physician jobs online now.
