Facing the Primary Care Crisis: What Physicians Need to Know
The state of primary care in the U.S. is at a tipping point, and physicians are feeling the pressure. Longer wait times, limited access, and mounting administrative burdens are becoming part of daily practice. But beyond the frustrations, there’s an opportunity to shape the future of care.
As the demand for primary care services grows and physician numbers decline, now is the time for current and aspiring PCPs to understand the landscape, advocate for meaningful support, and explore career paths that reflect both personal goals and broader healthcare needs.
The Scope of the Shortage
According to the 2024 State of the Primary Care Workforce report from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), nearly 100 million Americans currently live in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care. This statistic reflects more than just a number - it represents delayed care, increased stress on clinicians, and communities left without essential services.
The pipeline of new physicians entering primary care isn't keeping pace. Nearly 40% of the existing PCP workforce is expected to retire within the next ten years (HRSA, 2024), and the number of students pursuing primary care specialties continues to decline. This is due, in part, to lower salaries compared to other fields and the increasing administrative burden.
On-the-Ground Impacts
In Missouri and other underserved areas, patients are waiting weeks - sometimes months - for appointments. As ABC17 News reports, this delay can lead patients to delay preventive care, increasing the risk of undiagnosed conditions and higher acuity when they do finally seek care (ABC17 News, 2025).
Meanwhile, primary care physicians already in practice are reporting higher levels of burnout. The Physicians Foundation describes the system as “crumbling,” citing increased chronic disease, shrinking margins, and underinvestment as key stressors (Physicians Foundation, 2024).
And with proposed caps on federal student loans for medical students, future physicians could face even more financial pressure when choosing a specialty, potentially steering them away from primary care careers (Becker’s Hospital Review, 2025).
Navigating the Primary Care Landscape
Despite the challenges, primary care remains a deeply rewarding field - one that offers continuity of care, patient relationships, and meaningful impact. Physicians, considering or currently working in primary care, can take several steps to make the most of their career path.
- Explore Mission-Driven Opportunities
Many communities are eager to support incoming physicians, particularly in underserved or rural areas. Look for positions where your work has a visible, long-term impact and where employers highlight values like collaboration, flexibility, and community integration.
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Support
Burnout is real, but so is the potential for a sustainable practice model. Consider employers offering flexible scheduling, reduced administrative burden through care team support, or telehealth options that allow for a more balanced approach to practice.
- Leverage Career Support Resources
Physicians don’t have to navigate this alone. PracticeMatch offers a suite of resources designed for your unique career journey - from exploring open roles to preparing for interviews, reviewing compensation benchmarks, and attending Virtual Career Fairs where you can meet potential employers from across the country.
Our Career Resources also include helpful guides on job search strategies, negotiating offers, and evaluating practice settings.
- Stay Informed, Stay Empowered
Keeping up with workforce trends, policy changes, and funding updates can help you make informed career decisions. From proposed student loan policy shifts to new models of care delivery, understanding the context can guide your next move.
Primary Care Needs You
While the challenges are undeniable, they are not insurmountable - and they are not yours to solve alone. The healthcare system needs primary care physicians now more than ever. If you’re considering a move, looking for a better fit, or starting your post-residency journey, you have options.
PracticeMatch is here to help you explore those options. Visit PracticeMatch.com to browse current openings, register for upcoming events, or connect with a recruiter who understands your goals.
Clint Rosser is the CEO of PracticeMatch. He has been with PracticeMatch since 2016. He has overseen several departments within PracticeMatch including Inside Sales, Career Fairs, and the Client Services team. Clint, along with his team, has helped elevate PracticeMatch client services to move past a transactional vendor relationship to a full partnership with clients. This has allowed PracticeMatch to build stronger relationships and work with clients closer to ensure they can achieve the most ROI possible.
Prior to Joining PracticeMatch, Clint has been in Client service leadership roles for over 20 years. Clint serves as an AAPPR Board Member for Strategic Corporate Sponsors.