How severe is the projected physician shortage in the United States?

The U.S. is projected to face a significant physician shortage by 2036, with estimates suggesting a deficit of tens of thousands of doctors. This gap is driven by an aging population, retiring physicians, and constraints in traditional medical school capacity. The shortage threatens access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

How can apprenticeship programs help address the physician shortage?

Apprenticeship models allow aspiring medical professionals to gain clinical skills through structured, supervised on-the-job training rather than relying solely on traditional degree pathways. These programs can shorten training timelines and open doors for candidates who may not have access to conventional medical school routes. They mirror workforce development strategies that have proven effective in other skilled trades and professions.

What role does online training play in expanding medical education?

Online training platforms can democratize access to foundational and continuing medical education, reducing geographic and financial barriers for prospective healthcare workers. When combined with hands-on clinical experience, digital learning can create hybrid models that are both scalable and effective. This blended approach is gaining traction as healthcare systems look for faster ways to build workforce capacity.

Solving America’s Physician Shortage Throug...

Solving America’s Physician Shortage Through Apprenticeship Programs, Online Training & Hands-On Experience

America faces a projected physician shortage by 2036, and alternative pathways such as apprenticeship programs, online training, and hands-on experiential learning are emerging as viable solutions. The article examines how non-traditional medical education models can help healthcare systems close a critical workforce gap. These approaches aim to expand access to medical training while maintaining clinical competency standards.

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By Ron Stefanski · January 22, 2025, 6:06 PM UTCDisruptedGeoffrey M. RocheJason AubreyJesse Mccree

Key takeaways

A significant physician shortage is projected to hit the U.S. by 2036, creating urgent pressure on healthcare workforce pipelines.

Apprenticeship programs and online training are being explored as alternatives to traditional, time-intensive medical education routes.

Hands-on experiential learning models may help accelerate qualified physician entry into the workforce without sacrificing quality of care.

In a healthcare landscape reshaped by post-pandemic challenges, workforce shortages and burnout are stretching the system to its limits. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, while turnover rates among nurses and allied health professionals continue to climb. With healthcare systems struggling to address the physician shortage and fill critical roles, the question looms large—how do we bridge the widening gap between workforce demands and skill-building opportunities?

The U.S. is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.

How can healthcare organizations upskill and sustain a future-ready workforce in this disrupted environment?

In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski dives into this critical issue with three industry leaders: Jason Aubrey, Founder and CEO of Skilltrade; Geoffrey M. Roche, Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers; and Jesse McCree, CEO of SCPa Works. The experts discuss strategies, insights, and innovations aimed at addressing the physician shortage and solving one of healthcare's most pressing crises.

Key takeaways from the episode:

Combining Online and Hands-On Training: Jason Aubrey highlights how Skilltrade blends flexible online education with critical hands-on experience, addressing both regulatory requirements and real-world skills gaps in healthcare training.
Employer-Led Workforce Models: Geoffrey Roche underscores the success of employer-led initiatives, such as those in Wisconsin, where health systems drive apprenticeship programs to build sustainable talent pipelines.
Removing Barriers to Workforce Entry: Jesse McCree emphasizes the importance of reducing barriers, such as childcare and access to clinical opportunities for underrepresented communities, to create equitable and resilient workforce solutions.

About the Speakers

Jason Aubrey is a private equity-backed CEO with a proven track record in organizational transformation, innovation, and growth across tech-enabled businesses globally. He is the founder and CEO of Skilltrade and previously led MedCerts to a successful acquisition by Stride, Inc., expanding its healthcare and IT certification training programs to address workforce gaps. With a background in political science from the University of Michigan, Jason co-founded LectureTools, a student engagement technology company, which grew to nearly 800 universities globally before being acquired by Echo360.
Geoffrey M. Roche is the North America Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers, where he leads national strategies to build sustainable, future-ready healthcare workforces while advancing health equity. With over 15 years of experience in public health, workforce transformation, and higher education leadership, he has driven initiatives such as public-private partnerships, upskilling programs, and health equity solutions at institutions like Harrisburg University and Lebanon Valley College. A thought leader and speaker, Geoffrey serves in advisory roles with organizations like the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and contributes to workforce innovation as a Forbes Business Council member and podcast host.
Jesse McCree is a seasoned workforce and human capital executive, currently serving as CEO of SCPa Works, where he oversees over $14 million annually to advance impactful workforce programs and regional economic growth. With 15 years of experience in workforce development, Jesse specializes in aligning business needs with job seeker opportunities, leveraging labor market data and strategic investments to create equitable economic mobility. He also holds advisory roles with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, contributing expertise in labor market trends and workforce policy.