Physician shortages are projected to affect both primary and specialty care across the United States. Within OB/GYN, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimated a shortfall of 5,170 FTE OB/GYNs by 2030, which would reduce the total number to approximately 47,490.
However, this anticipated deficit appears to have already materialized, with the current number of active OB/GYNs standing at 46,554. This early emergence of the shortage highlights the urgent need to address the gaps in the OB/GYN workforce and implement innovative staffing strategies to ensure adequate access to care.
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The OB/GYN Workforce
In the United States, there are 46,554 active OB/GYNs, including 595 specialists in maternal and fetal medicine.
Maternity Service Closures
Over the past decade, more than 200 hospitals across the U.S. have been forced to close their delivery services, yet they are still expected to handle nearly 1 in 10 births nationwide. This trend continues in 2024, with 19 more hospitals planning to end maternity care, pause services, or transfer their status.
Factors Contributing to the OB/GYN Shortage
Limited Residency Positions
The growing OB/GYN shortage is largely influenced by the limited number of residency positions. Despite strong interest in the specialty, the number of positions available falls short, leading to fewer OB/GYNs entering the workforce.
Intensifying Burnout Rates
Burnout continues to be one of the driving factors in growing physician shortages. In 2024, OB/GYNs were among the most burnt-out specialties, with 53% reporting being burnt out.
Strategies for Navigating the OB/GYN Shortage
Implementing OB Hospitalist Models: Today, hospitals across the U.S. are adopting OB hospitalist models at an increasing rate to help mitigate the impacts of the shortage and ensure access to care. Studies have found that implementing OB hospitalist models delivers benefits for patients, OB providers, and hospitals alike.
Utilizing OB/GYN Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners: As OB/GYN staffing gaps continue nationwide, utilizing locum tenens to fill in temporary staffing gaps is vital in ensuring continuous access to care. By implementing OB/GYN locum tenens into staffing strategies, healthcare leaders can expand and ensure access to vital OB/GYN care.
For a comprehensive look into the OB/GYN shortage, the contributing factors, and strategies for navigating it, we invite you to download our complete white paper by filling out the form above.
