03/01/2025 Edition

HEADLINES

• Updates on the Physician Shortage: It's no secret that the U.S. has been experiencing a physician shortage for years now, but the latest data from a National Center for Health Workforce Analysis report details the widespread nature of the shortage. The report projects that 31 of 35 physician specialties will have shortages by 2037, with specialties like vascular surgery, thoracic surgery, and ophthalmology falling the farthest behind.
• Healthcare Workers End Strike: On Monday, a historic strike involving 5,000 Oregon healthcare workers came to an end with eight RN bargaining units voting to ratify their contracts. Although the strike involved mostly nurses and the workers were represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), physicians, physician associates, and other workers took part as well. The resulting contract changes included substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract.
• Physician Training Trends: Medical schools and residency programs have been evolving rapidly in recent times and could see some large changes in the near future. From general enrollment rates and available residency slots, to the boom of dermatology and the decline of geriatric specialists, here are 10 trends shaping future generations of physicians.

ARTICLES & EPISODES

Doctors On Strike: The Rising Wave of Physician Unionization

Daniel Shin, MD

Physician unionization is a growing trend that has only gained more steam since the beginning of 2025. However, it was not until just the past year or two that this trend truly emerged. Physicians have historically not been prone to unionization, so why are so many starting to organize now? Dr. Shin explains all that has changed in recent times.

Surgeon Leaves OR for Insurance Call. Doctors, Social Media, and Ethics.

Docs Outside the Box

Doctors Nii and Renee discuss a recent situation involving Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a surgeon, leaving the operating room to take a phone call from UnitedHealthcare. The call was concerning insurance coverage for the patient Dr. Potter was actively operating on. Was it necessary for Dr. Potter to leave the OR during that time, or was there a lapse in judgement?

Recruitment Incentives

The Review Podcast

Employers often offer recruitment incentives to draw physicians into working at their practices or health systems. These incentives can include signing bonuses, stipends, relocation allowances, and more. Attorneys Bryce Krieger and Kyle Claussen discuss how physician recruitment incentives are typically structured, what financial pitfalls to beware of, and even describe some of the most unique incentives they have seen.

THE RESOLVE BLOG

The Benefits of Group Contract Review for Physicians

Evan Winter

Reviewing and negotiating an employment contract is often an intimating process. However, you do not have to handle it all alone. Negotiating contracts as a group is an increasingly effective strategy for physicians. This approach offers additional leverage in negotiations, increases confidence, and could help you secure better employment terms than you would on your own.

CONTRACTS

Pro Tip:

Be very careful when considering a resident stipend early in your training. Employers offer stipends to convince residents to commit to jobs early. While a stipend can provide a financial boost when you need it most, there are risks involved.

These stipends must be repaid, usually by working for the employer for a set number of years. If you decide against going to work for said employer or change jobs before the repayment period is complete, you will likely need to repay the outstanding amount all at once.

A lot can change in a few years of residency, and if you default on the stipend agreement, what was once financial aid could become a financial nightmare. Review the terms of a stipend carefully and make absolutely sure you will want to work for the employer.

JOB SEARCH

Upcoming Career Fairs:

• On Tuesday, March 4th, PracticeMatch will host an Emergency Medicine & PMR Virtual Career Fair from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM CST.
• On Wednesday, March 5th, PracticeMatch will host a Live Career Fair in Nashville, TN from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST.

Featured Job Listings:

Urologist

Janesville, WI

Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center is currently seeking a BC/BE urologist to join their team in Janesville. The listed salary range for this position is $599,000 to $750,000 and either J-1 or H-1B Visa physicians will be supported.

Gastroenterologist

Spokane, WA

Providence Medical Group is seeking a BC/BE gastroenterologist to join their team in Spokane, located on the eastern edge of Washington. The listed salary range for this position is $528,489 to $649,148.

Job listings provided by PracticeMatch