While U.S. healthcare organizations are grappling with how to attract and retain physicians from a workforce that is continuing to shrink, individual physicians may be thinking about how to remain in the medical practice — but in a different or better way.

This is because, as McKinsey & Company reported recently, more than two-thirds of physicians surveyed said that “well-being” factors play a key role in their decision-making process over whether to stop practicing medicine. These factors included the job’s emotional and physical tolls and the intensity and demand of the workload, as well as the desire to balance family and life demands and seek a higher paid position, McKinsey found.

Here are some additional findings from the more than 600 physicians surveyed:

• About 35% of physicians said they are likely to leave their current roles in the next five years, with 60% saying they are likely to leave clinical practice entirely.
• Of those who said they are likely to leave, 59% are between ages 54 and 64 and indicated early retirement is their most likely step.
• Physicians who are dissatisfied with their work schedule and experience a lack of control over it are more likely to experience burnout and leave their positions in the next year.

The physician shortage is only growing, according to projections released in March by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The AAMC projects a shortage of between 20,200 and 40,400 primary care physicians by 2036. Unfortunately, the more the physician shortage increases, the more pressure doctors are experiencing in an increasingly strained healthcare system.

However, for physicians who are concerned or contemplating leaving the profession, one compelling alternative is to retrain as a primary care physician.

Primary care is the cornerstone of healthcare delivery, with an increasing need for skilled professionals to address both routine and complex health concerns. Retraining in this vital field offers physicians the opportunity to pivot their careers while still making a meaningful impact on patient care. The transition to primary care allows them to focus on preventative medicine and continuity of care, which are critical in improving patient outcomes and alleviating the system’s overall strain.

Retraining as a primary care physician not only helps mitigate the shortage but also offers a renewed sense of professional fulfillment. Primary care physicians play an essential role in guiding patients through their healthcare journeys, developing long-term relationships and addressing a wide range of medical issues. This field allows for a more personal connection with patients, a diversified day-to-day practice and the ability to work in various healthcare settings, from rural communities to urban centers.

For physicians looking for a change, the move to primary care is a sustainable and rewarding option that supports both their professional growth and the healthcare system’s resilience.

Want to learn more about retraining as a primary care physician? Contact Physician Retraining & Reentry today!