There is a serious shortage of doctors in the United States – WHY SHOULD YOU CONCERN?
In recent years, America has been facing a serious shortage of doctors. This not only affects the quality of people’s health care but also creates great challenges for the national health system.
But on the other hand, for us Vietnamese doctors, this is a golden opportunity to expand our careers and seek opportunities to settle in the “promised land”.
1. Why is there a shortage of doctors in the US?
According to report of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the US has been and will be facing a shortage of between 13,500 – 86,000 doctors within the next 11 years (2036). This crisis is widespread in both main areas, including Primary care and Specialized health (non-primary care).
The main reason for this shortage is that the US population is constantly growing and aging rapidly, leading to increased demand for health care.
Also according to the AAMC report, by 2036, the US population will increase by 8.6%, the number of elderly people aged 65 and over will be 34.1% of the population, of which the number of elderly people aged 75 and over will be 54.7%. These are truly telling numbers!
In addition, a large number of doctors from the baby boomer generation (born before 1960 – this number accounts for 20% of the current doctor population) are entering retirement age, creating a large gap in the medical workforce.
Not only that, 22% of the total number of current doctors are between 55-64 years old, meaning that nearly half of all current doctors will retire within the next 10 years.
While society’s needs are increasing is increasing, half of the doctors are about to retire, the supply of young doctors in the US is facing many difficulties. The main reason is the training process is long and expensive.
To become a doctor in the US, a person needs to undergo a minimum of 11 years of training, including:
- 4 years of college to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree.
- 3-7 years residency program, depending on the specialty.
In addition, many doctors continue to study for an additional 1-3 year fellowship to specialize more.
Besides the long training period, financial burden is also a big barrier.
According to Education Data Initiative, by 2024, medical students will graduate with an average debt of up to $234,597 ~ 6 billion VND. This is a big barrier that makes many people afraid to pursue the path of becoming a doctor.
In addition, the strict licensing process and the limited number of medical schools also contribute aggravating the shortage situation. Each year, only about 20,000 medical students graduate, while the demand for doctors is increasing.
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), rural and remote areas are the hardest hit, In particular, there are areas where there are only 55 FRONTLINE DOCTORS/10 THAN POPULAR.
Many hospitals and clinics in these areas cannot recruit enough doctors, leading to constant overload and reduced quality of medical services.
2. Opportunities for Vietnamese doctors
The shortage of doctors in the US is a serious national problem, but it opens up unprecedented opportunities for Vietnamese doctors to convert their degrees and work in the US to fill the gap caused by the shortage of human resources.
In addition, another important factor is President Donald’s H-1B visa policy Trump for skilled workers, including doctors is being expanded. Opportunities to settle, work long-term and sponsor relatives are warmly welcomed by foreign doctors, especially those willing to work in more remote areas.
To do so, you need to pass exams such as USMLE, participate, do research, do clinical internship in the US,… then complete the program residency training. Although it requires effort and perseverance, once successful, the benefits it brings are extremely huge.
Doctors’ salaries in the US are always in the top 5% and among the highest in the world. According to Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2023, on average each doctor in the US will have a salary of $352,000/year ~ 8.3 billion VND, depending on specialty and working area.
This is a recognition and a very practical source of motivation for you to consider converting your degree and working in the US, thereby building a brighter future for yourself and your family. It is not only a career opportunity but also a door to open a new life, full of potential and prospects in one of the most developed countries in the world.
Hope my sharing today will be useful to you.
Please comment “yes” if you like it. Like this article.
Dr. Christina Nguyen
The Phoenix Medical Academy
