Comment by jmyeet

It's complicated. The AMA seeks to restrict supply. The number of medical schools has been cut dramatically from historic highs. The AMA relented in WW2 because of the need for combat physicians but then went right back to their old ways after WW2 ended. Doctors don't necessarily share that view.

But there are multiple issues that contribute to shortages. Just like with homes (as you brought up), there can be homes where nobody wants to live. Likewise, some specialties never fill all their places. So earning potential is a factor. Not wanting to live rural is often also a factor, despite efforts to attract people to both using things like PSLF. PSLF itself is on shaky ground under this administration and you will see physicians unwilling to sacrifice career potential for a program that won't trust will be there to forgive their debt.

And then there's burn out. Many doctors leave the profession in their 40s and 50s. And if you didn't really become a doctor until your 30s, that's a relatively short professional life. But why do they burn out? Insane hours, administration, insurance, work-life balance are all up there.