States in the West and South may be more likely to face a physician shortage than those on the East Coast, according to a survey by the Senior List cited by Merritt Hawkins.
In its 2019 survey of physician recruitment incentives, Merritt Hawkins points out that there's currently an aging physician workforce composed of those nearing retirement, with some states having one third of their physicians over 60 years old. With many physicians retiring at once, a shortage may occur.
Here are the five states most likely to face a physician shortage:
1. Wyoming
2. Montana
3. Mississippi
4. Oklahoma
5. Arkansas
Five states least likely to face a shortage:
1. Massachusetts
2. Rhode Island
3. Ohio
4. Minnesota
5. Delaware