MMS Physician Workforce Study - 2009

September 14, 2009

The Massachusetts Medical Society's eighth annual Physician Workforce Study found that seven physician specialties in Massachusetts are operating under severe labor market conditions. The report’s key findings include:

• The primary care specialties of family medicine and internal medicine are in short supply for the fourth consecutive year.
• The percentage of primary care practices closed to new patients is the highest it’s ever been as recorded by the Medical Society.
• Seven  of 18 specialties studied have been classified in short supply, 5 fewer than last year.
• The specialty of obstetrics and gynecology was found to be in short supply for the first time in the eight years of conducting the analysis, adding to primary care difficulties.
• Recruitment and retention of physicians remains difficult, especially at community hospitals and especially with primary care.
• The fear of being sued remains as a substantial negative influence on the practice of medicine, affecting access to and availability of physician services.

Download the executive summary. (.pdf, 16 pages, 176 kb)

Download the full report. (.pdf, 136 pages, 755 kb)

MMS reaction and statement.