The Issue
Massachusetts physicians are facing growing workforce challenges that threaten patient access to care and the sustainability of medical practice.
Physicians across the Commonwealth are experiencing:
- Workforce shortages and increasing patient demand
- Rising rates of burnout and professional dissatisfaction
- Growing administrative and operational burdens
- Financial pressures from inadequate reimbursement and rising practice costs
Without action, workforce shortages will continue to affect patient access, physician well-being, and the delivery of high-quality care.
MMS Position
The Massachusetts Medical Society supports policies that strengthen, support, and sustain the physician workforce across Massachusetts.
MMS advocates for:
- Expanding the physician workforce pipeline
- Increasing access to medical education and loan repayment programs
- Reducing physician burnout and administrative burden
- Improving physician payment and practice sustainability
- Supporting workforce diversity and health equity
Goal: Ensure Massachusetts has a strong, diverse, and sustainable physician workforce that meets the needs of patients and communities.
MMS Advocacy
MMS is advancing workforce solutions that address the physician pipeline, practice environment, and financial sustainability of medical practice.
Strengthening the Physician Pipeline
MMS supports policies that:
- Expand graduate medical education opportunities
- Increase physician loan repayment programs
- Support physician training in underserved communities
- Improve workforce diversity and recruitment
Improving the Practice Environment
MMS advocates for:
- Reducing administrative burden
- Addressing physician burnout and well-being
- Creating more sustainable practice conditions
- Supporting physician retention across all specialties
Supporting Sustainable Physician Payment
MMS works to:
- Protect physician reimbursement
- Strengthen investment in primary care
- Improve payment models that support patient care
- Address financial pressures affecting physician practices
Why This Matters to Physicians
Workforce challenges affect every aspect of medical practice.
Physicians are:
- Caring for more patients with fewer resources
- Managing increased administrative and staffing pressures
- Navigating financial uncertainty
- Experiencing growing risks of burnout
Strengthening the physician workforce helps improve patient access, support physician well-being, and ensure a sustainable future for health care in Massachusetts.
Take Action
Support Physician Workforce Advocacy
Join MMS advocacy efforts to strengthen the physician workforce, improve practice conditions, and protect patient access to care.
Become an MMS member and strengthen the physician
voice advocating for the future of medicine in Massachusetts.
