Medicus is proud to join in celebrating World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) on May 19th! Created by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), this annual event was designed to acknowledge the vital contributions family doctors make in delivering comprehensive, person-centered, and continuous healthcare to patients around the globe. 

The theme of this year's celebration is 'Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,' highlighting the important role family medicine plays in fostering resilience and mental wellness.

The Vital Role of Family Doctors

On WFDD, we recognize the impact primary care and family medicine physicians have on the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. They are often the first point of contact for those seeking healthcare, providing a range of services that address physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Family doctors also play a key role in coordinating care with other health professionals, promoting health education and prevention, and advocating for the health needs and rights of their patients.

The Primary Care Physician Shortage

In the United States, a significant shortage of primary care physicians, including family doctors, is anticipated, with an expected deficit of between 20,200 and 40,400 physicians by 2036. However, many individuals nationwide are already feeling the effects of this shortage. According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), it is estimated that there are over 7,700 Primary Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the U.S., leaving roughly 76 million Americans without adequate access to primary care.

Over 100 million Americans do not have a primary care provider, with roughly a quarter of them being children. As more people lose access to primary care, an essential preventive health service, it could lead to worsened health outcomes. Without regular primary care, individuals are at higher risk for unmanaged chronic diseases, delayed diagnoses, and overall poorer health. The inadequacy of the current primary care supply also puts pressure on existing doctors, who face increased patient volumes and administrative tasks, which can lead to heightened physician burnout rates.

Addressing the primary care shortage is crucial for improving health outcomes and ensuring everyone has access to the comprehensive care they need. Locum tenens primary care and family medicine physicians can be vital resources in mitigating the impacts of these shortages.

By stepping in and providing coverage in areas facing shortages, locum tenens primary care and family medicine physicians can help ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need while alleviating the burden on existing physicians. Implementing locum tenens can help reduce patient volumes and administrative tasks for permanent physicians, which in turn lowers burnout rates and improves overall job satisfaction among primary care and family medicine physicians.

Thank you, Primary Care Physicians and Family Doctors!

As we celebrate WFDD, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all primary care physicians and family doctors for their steadfast commitment to patient care. At Medicus, we are honored to work with so many dedicated locum tenens primary care physicians who ensure communities nationwide have access to continuous healthcare. Join the global celebration by using the hashtag #WorldFamilyDoctorDay to show your appreciation.

Interested in working locum tenens primary care with Medicus? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
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