National Doctors’ Day is March 30. Since 1989, this day has been observed across the US. Still, some communities have observed this day since 1933. This day, set aside to recognize physicians and the important role they play in the community, is a staple for physician recognition.
Physicians require rigorous credentialing and education before they can practice. They have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by four years of medical school. After that, physicians that want to increase their specialized skillsets have to complete three to eight more years of internships and residencies. However, this schooling does pay off.
Most physicians work in either solo practice or in hospitals (21 percent each). Another 21 percents are owners or part-owners in specialty practices. Another 14 percent work in a practice owned by a hospital, while 14 percent work in a private practice owned by another physician. Finally, 9 percent work as locum tenens professionals.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the physician job industry is expected to grow up to 18 percent by 2020. However, there will also be a shortage of professionals due to the increased demand for more physicians. By 2025, it is anticipated that there will be 130,000 vacant physician positions. If there is a role for National Doctors’ Day, it’s to remind us that although the journey to physician-ship is difficult, increasing the number of physicians will better serve our nation’s most pressing health needs.