The healthcare system is facing a substantial physician shortage by specialty, a challenge that is affecting patient care and the efficiency of medical practices across the country. This shortage impacts various specialties differently, with some medical fields experiencing more acute shortages than others. 

Understanding which specialties are most in demand can provide insight for medical professionals who are considering their career path and for healthcare systems looking to address these gaps.

If you’re exploring career opportunities in light of this shortage, check out PracticeLink’s Physician Resource Center on the physician job search to understand the demand in different specialties. Additionally, you can read about the physician shortage by specialty to learn how these gaps are evolving over time.

What medical specialty has the most shortages?

When considering the how to solve physician shortage issue, it’s important to focus on the specialties that face the greatest gaps. The specialties with the biggest shortages tend to be those that require highly specialized skills, long training periods or involve work in more rural or underserved areas.

Some of the specialties with the most significant shortages include:

  • Primary care: This field, which includes general practitioners, family medicine doctors and internists, faces the highest demand. The shortage of primary care physicians is driven by an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases and a growing need for preventative care.
  • Psychiatry: Mental health has become a growing concern, and the shortage of psychiatrists is exacerbated by the stigma surrounding mental health care and the increasing demand for mental health services.
  • Emergency medicine: Emergency departments are seeing an increase in patient volume, yet there aren’t enough physicians to meet this demand, making emergency medicine one of the most strained specialties.

Addressing these shortages requires targeted efforts to improve recruitment, expand residency programs and enhance physician retention.

What medical specialty is most in demand?

When analyzing the projected physician shortage by specialty, it’s evident that certain fields are projected to experience more significant growth in demand. With an aging population and a rising number of complex health conditions, certain specialties are likely to see increased demand over the next decade.

Some of the specialties most in demand include:

  • Geriatrics: With an aging baby boomer population, geriatric specialists are in high demand. This field focuses on the health care of older adults and requires physicians who can manage multiple chronic conditions, often simultaneously.
  • Oncology: As cancer rates rise, the need for oncologists is also increasing. Innovations in cancer treatments are making early diagnosis and intervention more critical, fueling demand for oncologists.
  • Cardiology: Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the demand for cardiologists continues to grow. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and play a key role in addressing cardiovascular health.

The increasing demand in these fields makes them an attractive option for new physicians looking to enter the workforce.

What is the most sought after medical specialty?

Among the fastest growing medical specialties, those related to technology and innovation in medicine are seeing significant attention. The most sought-after specialties tend to be those that offer high salaries, work-life balance and the opportunity to be at the forefront of medical advances.

Specialties that are both sought after and experiencing significant growth include:

  • Orthopedic surgery: Surgeons specializing in bones and joints are in high demand, particularly in the field of sports medicine and hip and knee replacement surgeries.
  • Dermatology: This specialty has grown in popularity due to its excellent work-life balance, high income potential and the ability to perform routine procedures with minimal emergency or overnight duties.
  • Plastic surgery: As both medical and aesthetic surgery continues to rise, plastic surgeons are seeing a growing demand, particularly in cosmetic surgery.

These specialties are gaining attention due to their clinical importance and the lifestyle they offer physicians.

Which medical specialty has the best future?

When considering the most in demand medical specialties in the future, there are several factors to consider: technological advancements, demographic shifts and evolving patient care needs. The future of medicine looks promising for specialties that embrace innovation and address ongoing healthcare challenges.

Specialties with the best future outlook include:

  • Telemedicine: As technology advances, telemedicine is becoming the dominant way of providing healthcare. Specialties that can leverage telehealth, such as psychiatry, dermatology and primary care, are set to thrive.
  • Genomic medicine: With advancements in genomics and personalized medicine, specialties focusing on genetic testing and tailored treatment plans are becoming increasingly important in treating rare diseases and cancers.
  • Pain management: As chronic pain becomes a greater focus of medical care, pain management specialists are expected to see continued growth.

Physicians entering these fields are likely to see abundant opportunities in the coming decades, making them strong options for those looking to align their career with the future of healthcare.

Medical specialties with the biggest shortages vary depending on regional needs, technological advancements and patient demographics. However, specialties like primary care, psychiatry and emergency medicine are at the top of the list when it comes to facing significant gaps in healthcare staffing. By understanding these trends, physicians can make informed decisions about where to focus their career efforts.

Interested in learning more about the demand for physicians in various specialties? 

Explore our resources on the physician job search at PracticeLink.com and find out how you can be part of the solution to the growing healthcare challenges.