NC Doctor Shortage

Some current statistics show that not only is the lack of qualified doctors rapidly becoming a major problem across the U.S., but it is also becoming a problem here in North Carolina.  According to the Association of American Medical Colleges or AAMC, the United States is facing a shortage of doctors over the next decade. Just last year, a CNN Report warned that doctor shortages and increased demand could stress the entire health care system. Two North Carolina cities are ranked near the top of the list for the Top 25 US Cities that do NOT have enough Doctors.  Greensboro is ranked #5 in the U.S. for 'doctor shortage' according to the BetterDoctor.com  Health Opportunity Index, and Raleigh was next to them in the rankings at #6.  With 418 residents per doctor, Greensboro has nearly 2.5 times more potential patients for each doctor as compared to Charlotte.  By 2020, the AAMC says our nation will face a serious shortage of both primary care and specialist physicians to care for an aging and growing population.