Anjalee Galion, MD, chief wellness officer at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), wants physicians attempting to grapple with the field of medicine's challenges to know that they are not alone.

In an ever-shifting economy, compensation expectations, availability of staff and career satisfaction are constantly changing.

Rising supply costs, ongoing burnout and inadequate pay policies have all contributed to career dissatisfaction among a growing number of physicians. Despite the negative aspects of practicing medicine, many physicians remain optimistic about the future.

Becker's connected with Nathan Merriman, MD, medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health at Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, to explain why a lesser-discussed issue in healthcare — friction — is one of the industry's most important — and insidious — issues.

Payers such as UnitedHealth Groups' Optum and Elevance are acquiring providers, and some leaders are wary about how these groups' rapid growth will affect the physician workforce. 

Increased consolidation, noncompete clauses and provider shortages are three of the workforce trends making physicians nervous. 

As disruptors have entered the healthcare market and technology has advanced, the role of the physician is not so easily defined. Physicians at the core are healers, but their role in the industry has changed in many ways over the past five years.

The field of healthcare has undergone massive changes in recent years, such as clinical protocols, care delivery or technology-assisted care. What has this meant for physicians?

Physicians reported that administrative burdens are the biggest contributor to the ongoing provider shortage in Doximity's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2024, published May 23. 

There are many ways physicians can harness the reach and capabilities of social media to increase patient engagement and debunk medical misinformation, however, having a social media presence comes with its own challenges — particularly for physicians. 

Dallas, Texas-based Steward Health Care has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a months-long saga of financial distress, according to a May 6 news release from the health system.

The Arizona Medical Group Management Association told national MGMA May 1 it would end its affiliation, following a trend of organizations departing and rebranding as Healthcare Leaders Association.

Nevada is the state that is predicted to have the lowest nursing competition by 2030, according to personal finance site WalletHub.

The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 voted to ban noncompete clauses for most U.S. workers, and eight leaders joined Becker's to discuss how the decision could affect the physician workforce. 

As physicians migrate to employed models and the healthcare industry consolidates, retail giant Amazon continues to double down on its focus on primary care and other physician specialties. 

Texas is the state that employs the most physicians.

Being an employed physician comes with several advantages, but practicing this way has drawbacks as well.

A total of 32 physicians have left Optum-owned Oregon Medical Group in Eugene in the last two years, The Oregonian reported March 28.

Susan Parisi, MD, serves as the inaugural chief wellness officer for Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger.

The anesthesia provider shortage is a continuing obstacle in care provision, as reimbursements decline and physicians leave the workforce.