An article in NEJM Catalyst looks at future  physician supply in relation to increased use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

The writers conclude:

“It is unlikely that the physician supply will grow more rapidly than we project: the AAMC projects even slower growth, the number of GME slots is constrained, and even an immediate expansion of medical school capacity and training opportunities wouldn’t substantially affect the physician supply for many years. Growth in the NP and PA workforces is more uncertain. Although shorter, more flexible training requirements for these providers have facilitated an unprecedented increase in new entrants, growth rates could fall if demand for nonphysician providers is lower than anticipated and job-market prospects worsen. Major changes are unlikely, however, given the expected increases in demand for care, growing use of team-based and interprofessional practice, and the fact that NPs disproportionately serve rural and underserved populations, whose needs would otherwise go unmet.”

To read read the article, please hit this link.