Doctor Demographics & Statistics in the U.S.

Uncover doctor demographics and statistics in the U.S. Discover the trends shaping the healthcare landscape today!

June 24, 2024

Doctor Demographics in the U.S.

Understanding the demographics of doctors in the United States provides valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. This section will provide an overview of physician distribution and highlight the variances in physician supply across different states.

The United States has a large and diverse population of medical doctors who play a vital role in the healthcare system. Here are some key statistics and demographics about doctors in the US:

Total Number of Doctors: As of 2021, there are over 1 million active physicians in the United States, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).‍
Specialty Breakdown: The most common specialties among US doctors are:some textsome text
- Internal Medicine (23%)
- Family Medicine/General Practice (12%)
- Pediatrics (8%)
- Anesthesiology (6%)
- Psychiatry (5%)
Gender Distribution: Approximately 64% of US physicians are male, while 36% are female. However, the gender gap is narrowing, with women representing nearly 50% of medical school graduates in recent years.
Age Distribution: The average age of physicians in the US is 51 years old. About 30% of doctors are 60 or older, raising concerns about a potential shortage as many approach retirement age.
Racial/Ethnic Diversity: The racial and ethnic breakdown of US physicians is as follows:some text
- White (56%)
- Asian (17%)
- Hispanic (6%)
- Black or African American (5%)
- Other or Multiple Race/Ethnicity (13%)
Practice Settings: Doctors in the US work in a variety of settings:some text
- Office-based practices (54%)
- Hospitals (35%)
- Academic or research facilities (7%)
- Other settings (4%)
Geographic Distribution: The distribution of physicians varies by state and region, with higher concentrations in urban areas. The states with the highest number of active physicians per capita are Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York.

Physician Distribution Overview

In 2017, data from the AMA Physician Masterfile revealed the number of active physicians in the U.S. across 44 specialty categories. This comprehensive dataset gives us a glimpse into the distribution of doctors across different specialties.

Please note that these numbers are specific to 2017 and may have changed over time. However, they provide a general understanding of the distribution of physicians across various specialties.

State Variances in Physician Supply

The supply of physicians per 10,000 U.S. resident population has seen an increase over the years. In 2009, the supply was 25.8 physicians per 10,000 population, which rose to 28.2 physicians per 10,000 population in 2019. This indicates an overall growth in the physician workforce.

However, it's important to note that physician supply varies across different states. For instance, in 2019, the District of Columbia (D.C.) had 3.5 times as many physicians per 10,000 population compared to Idaho, which had the lowest supply of physicians.

Looking ahead to 2024, the total number of active physicians in the U.S. is expected to differ by state. The ranking of states based on the total number of active physicians can provide insights into the distribution of doctors across the country.

Understanding the distribution of doctors and the variations in physician supply across states is crucial for healthcare planning and ensuring adequate access to medical care for all residents.

Medical Specialties & Compensation

In the vast landscape of medical specialties, certain fields stand out as particularly competitive or in-demand. Understanding the dynamics of these specialties and their associated compensation is essential for those considering a career in healthcare. In this section, we will explore competitive specialties and delve into the projected salaries for 2024.

Competitive Specialties

When it comes to the competitiveness of medical specialties in the U.S., there is significant variation. Some specialties attract a higher number of applicants, making them more competitive to pursue. According to Med School Insiders, family medicine consistently ranks as the least competitive specialty. Family medicine physicians typically provide comprehensive healthcare to individuals of all ages. On the other hand, internal medicine, which focuses solely on adult patients, offers various subspecialty and fellowship options.

Pediatrics, which involves caring for infants, children, and adolescents, is also considered one of the least competitive specialties. This may be attributed, in part, to the lower average compensation in the field, which stands at around $250,000 per year based on Med School Insiders.

Conversely, plastic surgery consistently ranks as one of the most competitive specialties. Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, and they enjoy one of the highest average annual compensations, exceeding $600,000 according to Med School Insiders.

Specialty Salaries in 2024

Projected salaries for medical specialties in 2024 vary significantly depending on factors such as demand, complexity, and market forces. While specific figures may change over time, the following data provides an overview of the average annual compensations for selected specialties, based on Med School Insiders.

Please note that these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered definitive or all-encompassing. Compensation for medical specialties is influenced by numerous factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and individual practice settings.

Understanding the competitive landscape and compensation trends in medical specialties can help aspiring healthcare professionals make informed decisions about their career paths. It's important to consider personal interests, aptitudes, and long-term goals when selecting a medical specialty, as these factors will ultimately contribute to professional fulfillment and success.

Gender Disparities in Medicine

Gender disparities continue to be a significant aspect of the medical field, affecting both representation and compensation. In this section, we will explore the representation of women in medicine and the gender pay gap in medical specialties.

Female Representation in Medicine

The representation of women in the medical field has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), in 2019, women comprised the majority of all medical school students in the U.S., accounting for 50.5% of the total student population. This marks a significant increase from 46.9% in 2015 and 49.5% in 2018.

While women have made significant strides in medical education, there are still disparities when it comes to specific medical specialties. Women tend to be overrepresented in fields such as pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology, where they accounted for 65% and 86% of active physicians, respectively. On the other hand, women are underrepresented in male-dominated specialties like orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, where their representation remains below 6% and 11%, respectively.

Efforts to increase the enrollment and representation of underrepresented groups, including women, in medical schools remain a priority. A more diverse physician workforce is crucial in effectively caring for America's diverse population [4].

Gender Pay Gap in Medical Specialties

Despite the increasing number of women in medicine, a persistent gender pay gap exists within the field. Female physicians earn significantly less than their male counterparts over the course of their careers, with the largest gaps observed in male-dominated specialties. According to an analysis by Healthcare Dive, male physicians in surgical specialties earned about $2.5 million more than female physicians, while male physicians in primary care earned about $900,000 more over their careers. On average, female physicians earn $2 million less than male physicians throughout their careers [5].

The gender pay gap in medicine highlights the need for continued efforts to address and rectify these disparities. Identifying and addressing the factors contributing to the gender pay gap is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

It is important to acknowledge that the gender pay gap is influenced by various factors, including specialty choice, work hours, and negotiation practices. However, it is crucial to strive for a healthcare system where compensation is based on skills, experience, and qualifications, rather than gender.

By recognizing the gender disparities in medicine, we can work towards creating a more equitable and diverse healthcare landscape. Efforts to promote equal opportunities and fair compensation for all physicians, regardless of gender, are vital for fostering a thriving and inclusive medical community.

Foreign-Trained Physicians

The presence of foreign-trained physicians in the United States plays a vital role in addressing medical shortfalls, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Significant disparities in healthcare access exist, with minorities and low-income individuals being less likely to have health insurance and a regular source of medical care. This is especially true for African Americans and low-income Hispanics, who are more likely to live in areas with limited or no primary-care physicians compared to Caucasians and Asians.

Role of Foreign-Trained Doctors

Foreign-trained doctors make substantial contributions to the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in addressing shortages of primary-care physicians. They are more likely to specialize in primary-care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics compared to U.S.-trained doctors who often opt for more lucrative specializations like dermatology, obstetrics, and orthopedics. This imbalance has resulted in critical shortages of primary-care, pediatric, and family medicine physicians, especially in rural areas of the Midwest and other regions.

Foreign-trained doctors bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the medical field, contributing to the overall quality of care provided to patients. They often have unique insights into different healthcare systems and practices, which can enhance the delivery of healthcare services in the United States. Their presence helps address gaps in specialized medical services and ensures a more comprehensive healthcare system.

Contribution to Underserved Areas

Foreign-trained doctors play a significant role in serving underserved areas within the United States. They are more likely to practice in regions with higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, and larger minority populations. Over half of all foreign-trained doctors work in areas where the per-capita income is $30,000 or less. They are particularly prevalent in areas with lower educational attainment and higher minority populations, providing essential medical care to underserved communities.

Their presence in rural, lower-income, or underserved regions is evident from the statistics at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, where approximately 50% of internal medicine residents are from abroad. This highlights the importance of non-U.S. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in meeting healthcare needs in areas that often face challenges in attracting healthcare professionals.

Foreign-trained physicians bring their expertise and commitment to providing quality healthcare to communities that need it the most. Their contributions to underserved areas help bridge healthcare gaps and improve access to medical services for vulnerable populations.

Medical Education Trends

As the healthcare landscape evolves, it is essential to examine the trends in medical education, including medical school enrollment and diversity within medical education.

Medical School Enrollment

The number of applicants to medical schools in the U.S. has been steadily increasing. In 2019, there was a record high of 53,371 applicants, representing a 1.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of matriculants (new enrollees) grew by 1.1% to 21,869 in the same year.

The growth in the number of applicants is significant as the nation faces a projected shortage of up to 122,000 physicians by 2032. To address this shortage, medical schools have expanded class sizes, and 20 new schools have opened in the past decade. The total number of enrolled medical students has grown by 33% since 2002.

In terms of the characteristics of medical school enrollees, the data from 2019 indicate that they had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.78. The age range of enrollees spanned from 15 to 53 years old, with 131 enrollees being military veterans. Additionally, the entering class collectively performed over 14 million community service hours, demonstrating a strong commitment to service.

Diversity in Medical Education

Creating a diverse physician workforce is crucial to effectively care for America's diverse population. While there have been modest gains in enrolling more racially and ethnically diverse classes, these groups remain underrepresented in the overall physician workforce [4].

In 2019, women comprised the majority of all medical school students in the U.S., accounting for 50.5% of the total student population. This marks a significant increase from 46.9% in 2015 and 49.5% in 2018 [4]. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, are adequately represented in medical education.

Efforts are being made to increase the enrollment of underrepresented groups in medical schools. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) emphasizes the importance of diversity in the physician workforce and is actively working towards this goal. By fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, medical schools aim to prepare future physicians to provide culturally competent care to a diverse patient population.

In summary, medical education trends in the U.S. show an increasing number of applicants and matriculants to medical schools. Efforts are being made to address the projected physician shortage and improve diversity within medical education. By selecting a diverse pool of students and providing inclusive learning environments, medical schools aim to shape a physician workforce that is both representative of the population it serves and capable of providing high-quality, culturally competent care.

Comparing Doctor Salaries

When examining doctor salaries, it's important to consider the variations between different countries and the factors that influence these differences. This section will provide a comparison between the salaries of doctors in the United States and Canada, as well as explore the various factors that can impact doctor salaries.

U.S. vs. Canada: Salary Comparison

In the United States, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $229,300 in 2020. However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary significantly depending on the medical specialty. For example, cardiologists had the highest average annual wage of $421,330, followed by non-pediatric orthopedic surgeons at $371,400 and pediatric surgeons at $362,970.

On the other hand, in Canada, the average salary for family medicine doctors was $287,000 in 2020, while medical specialists earned an average of $370,000, and surgical specialists earned an average of $487,000 [8].

It's important to highlight that these figures are subject to change and can vary based on numerous factors such as experience, location, and demand for specific medical specialties.

Factors Influencing Doctor Salaries

Several factors contribute to the differences in doctor salaries between the United States and Canada. One of the primary factors is the healthcare system itself. In the United States, the healthcare system is predominantly privatized, allowing physicians to bill health insurance companies for the procedures they perform. This system often leads to higher earning potential for doctors compared to Canada, where the healthcare system is publicly funded. In Canada, physician salaries are lower due to capped billing rates and stricter government regulations [8].

Other factors that influence doctor salaries include:

Demand for Medical Specialties: Some medical specialties, such as cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and surgical specialties, tend to have higher salaries due to the demand for their specialized skills and expertise.
Regional Disparities: Salaries can vary based on the cost of living and regional disparities within a country. Urban areas may offer higher salaries to attract medical professionals, while rural areas may have lower salaries due to lower patient volumes and limited resources.
Healthcare Policies: Government policies and regulations regarding healthcare funding and reimbursement can impact doctor salaries. These policies differ between countries and can shape the financial landscape for physicians.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in a particular area can affect doctor salaries. Higher living expenses may result in higher salaries to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

It's essential for aspiring medical professionals to consider these factors when making career decisions. While salary is a significant consideration, personal preferences, passion for a particular specialty, and overall job satisfaction should also be taken into account.