Demand for U.S. Physicians Surged in 2018

National study finds 7 percent increase in physician job openings

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., December 5, 2018 -– Doximity today released a new national research study on the 2018 labor market for doctors and related healthcare professionals. By analyzing advertised physician employment opportunities and compensation data, the report found a 7 percent year-over-year increase in job growth; as well as strong regional increases in compensation.

The report, drawn from a sample of more than 8,000 physician job advertisements nationally, details the parts of the country and which medical specialties have the highest demand for physicians. Compensation growth was drawn from 70,000 self-reported compensation surveys.

“The economy saw strong growth this year, and the healthcare sector was no exception. However, the demand growth we’re finding seems to be outpacing the strong economy, and it’s possible that this represents an early warning of demand outstripping the available supply of medical talent,” said Amit Phull, M.D., Vice President of Strategy and Insights at Doximity.

Key findings from the study include:

  • The top 5 metros where doctors are most in demand are: Tucson, Los Angeles, Chicago, Little Rock and Baltimore
  • The top 5 specialties most in demand are: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • The top 5 metros where Nurse Practitioners are most in demand: Fresno, New Orleans, Fayetteville, Albany and Baltimore

“The 2018 Doximity data indicates significant growth in demand for physicians. Other research has shown that there are a number of factors driving physician demand, including an aging population that requires more medical services and increased administrative tasks for doctors,” said Christopher Whaley, Ph.D., lead author of the report and adjunct assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.

Read the full report here.

Methodology

This study is based on approximately 8,000 physician jobs posted on Doximity in 2017 and 2018. This report analyzed data on 50 metropolitan statistical areas and 15 medical specialties based on the number of job postings on the Doximity network in 2017. Compensation growth was drawn from Doximity’s self-reported compensation surveys of approximately 70,000 fulltime, licensed U.S. physicians and 7,500 nurses who practice at least 40 hours per week between 2017 and 2018.

About Doximity

Founded in 2010, Doximity is the leading digital platform for medical professionals. The company’s network members include over 80% of U.S. physicians across all specialties and practice areas. Doximity provides its verified clinical membership with digital tools built for medicine, enabling them to collaborate with colleagues, stay up to date with the latest medical news and research, manage their careers and conduct virtual patient visits. Doximity’s mission is to help doctors be more productive so they can provide better healthcare for their patients. For more information, please visit www.doximity.com.

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