A Shortage of Rheumatologists?
Posted on: 01/08/07
Two studies presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology point to a possible shortage of rheumatologists and pediatric rheumatologists, respectively, in the coming years.
The "US Rheumatologist Supply and Demand: 2005-2006 Workforce Study" predicts, "a shortfall of 2,600 rheumatologists by the year 2025." This is primarily due to retirement rates of rheumatologists exceeding completed fellowships. Also, demand for rheumatologists is increasing, "due to an expanding and aging US population, new technologies and treatments."
A second study, "Future of Pediatric Rheumatology - A Workforce Study", also observed that, "there will be an increasing shortage of pediatric rheumatologists over the next 20 years."
In order to solve this possible shortfall, the US Supply and Demand study suggest 3 primary solutions:
- Increasing fellowship positions
- Increasing the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners
- Improving practice efficiency
References: "US Rheumatologist Supply and Demand: 2005-2006 Workforce Study", Chad Deal et al.; "US Rheumatologist Supply and Demand: 2005-2006 Workforce Study", Marisa S. Klein-Gitelman et al. ACR Annual Meeting, 2006.
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