The Crisis in Primary Care: Why We Need More Doctors and How to Fix It

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We read the State of the Primary Care Workforce, 2024 report …

… and so should you 😉

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis recently released a critical report highlighting the growing shortage of primary care physicians. By 2037, the U.S. will face a deficit of 87,150 primary care doctors, particularly in rural areas.

Download the full report here

So, what’s driving this crisis, and how can Direct Primary Care (DPC) be part of the solution?

Why We Need More Physicians

Primary care is the foundation of healthcare, providing preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and personalized patient care. Yet, the United States faces a critical shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs)—especially those practicing in Direct Primary Care (DPC) models.

By 2037, the country will be short 87,150 full-time primary care doctors, with rural communities hit the hardest (Source: State of the Primary Care Workforce, 2024).

But why are fewer doctors choosing primary care—and how can we reverse this trend?

Why Aren’t More Doctors Choosing Primary Care?

Despite the essential role of primary care, fewer medical students are entering the field. Here’s why:

  1. Lower Pay Compared to Specialists
    • Primary care doctors earn significantly less than specialists.
    • Example:
      • Orthopedic surgeons: $558,000/year
      • Plastic surgeons: $536,000/year
      • Family medicine physicians: $272,000/year
    • With the rising cost of medical school debt, many students choose higher-paying specialties.
  2. High Burnout Rates
    • Over 50% of primary care doctors report burnout, citing excessive paperwork, long hours, and administrative burdens.
    • Increased demands for documentation and insurance claims add to the stress.
  3. Geographic Maldistribution
    • In 2022, 7.8% of U.S. counties had no primary care physician.
    • The rural-urban divide means many Americans lack access to basic medical care.
  4. Medical School & Residency Pipeline Issues
    • The number of residency spots for primary care hasn’t grown fast enough.
    • Internal medicine and family medicine programs struggle to attract students.

How Can We Attract More Doctors to Primary Care?

The good news? There are solutions—but they require action from policymakers, medical schools, and healthcare organizations.

1. Increase Compensation for Primary Care Physicians

  • Raise reimbursement rates for primary care services.
  • Provide financial incentives for doctors working in underserved areas.
  • Implement higher Medicare and Medicaid payments for primary care visits.

2. Expand Loan Forgiveness Programs

  • Offer student loan repayment for doctors who commit to primary care.
  • Increase funding for National Health Service Corps scholarships.
  • Provide grants and subsidies for medical students choosing family medicine.

3. Reduce Administrative Burdens

  • Simplify electronic health records (EHRs) to reduce paperwork.
  • Allow medical scribes and AI documentation to assist with charting.
  • Streamline insurance billing and reimbursement processes.

4. Grow the Direct Primary Care (DPC) Model

  • DPC eliminates insurance middlemen, letting doctors focus on patients, not paperwork.
  • Physicians set affordable monthly fees, improving access to care.
  • Programs like DPC University and Bootcamp train doctors on starting their own DPC practices.

5. Expand the Role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs)

  • Give NPs and PAs more autonomy, especially in rural areas.
  • Adjust state regulations to allow full practice authority for advanced practitioners.
  • Encourage team-based care models to reduce PCP workload.

The Future of Primary Care

The primary care crisis is real, but solutions exist. To fix it, we need higher pay, fewer administrative burdens, more residency slots, and better incentives for doctors to work in underserved areas. Technology—particularly telehealth, AI, and automation—can also play a crucial role in improving efficiency.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is emerging as one of the best solutions for both doctors and patients. It provides affordable, membership-based care while reducing the administrative headaches that drive so many physicians out of the field.

If we want to ensure better healthcare for all Americans, we must invest in primary care now—before the doctor shortage becomes an even bigger crisis.

What Can You Do?

  • If you’re a medical student, consider a career in primary care.
  • If you’re a physician, explore DPC models to reduce burnout.
  • If you’re a policymaker, advocate for loan forgiveness and better pay.
  • If you’re a patient, support legislation that funds primary care expansion.

The future of healthcare starts with primary care. Let’s invest in it.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Why High School Students Should Consider Primary Care

The future of healthcare depends on young people stepping up to become the next generation of doctors. If you’re a high school student who wants to make a real difference in people’s lives, a career in Direct Primary Care (DPC) could be your path.

Here’s why:

  • Medicine is About Empathy. Today’s healthcare system often feels impersonal and rushed. DPC brings back the human connection. Imagine spending time truly listening to patients, understanding their struggles, and guiding them to better health—without the pressure of insurance companies dictating care.
  • You Can Build a Meaningful Career Helping Others. Primary care isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about building relationships. DPC allows doctors to see fewer patients, giving quality care instead of rushed visits. If you love solving problems, connecting with people, and making a real impact, primary care is for you.

Your Path to Becoming a Direct Primary Care Doctor

If you’re interested in becoming a DPC physician, here’s a roadmap to get you started:

  1. Take Science & Health Classes in High School. Biology, chemistry, and anatomy are great starting points. Join a health-related club like HOSA (Future Health Professionals).
  2. Shadow a Doctor. Get real-world experience by volunteering at a clinic or hospital. Reach out to local DPC physicians to see what their day looks like.
  3. Choose a College with a Strong Pre-Med Program. Look for schools with good biology or pre-med programs that support hands-on experience.
  4. Attend Medical School & Focus on Primary Care. Schools like UNC, Michigan State, and Texas Tech have strong family medicine programs.
  5. Train in the Direct Primary Care Model. Instead of working in a large health system, DPC allows you to run your own practice—helping patients while keeping costs low. DPC University and Bootcamps can help prepare you.

Empathy Drives Everything We Do

At FlexPerx, we believe healthcare should be human. We support physicians and patients alike, helping both thrive, not just survive. Whether you’re a high school student dreaming of becoming a doctor or a patient looking for better care, we’re here to guide you.

The future of medicine needs compassionate, driven young people. Could you be one of them?

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