The Shortage of Anesthesiologists is Quickly Approaching a Crisis
Much of the public and, of course, the medical community are aware that the physician shortage is worsening, but within the ongoing shortage is a brewing crisis that even many medical professionals and administrators may not recognize. This crisis centers on the dwindling number of anesthesia providers that has been exacerbated by many internal industry factors like high retirement numbers as well as external circumstances including a rapidly aging population and the recent travel ban. Many providers are aware of the chronic shortage of anesthesia providers. There are currently about 30,000 anesthesiologists practicing in the United States, down from 35,000 in 2011. There was an estimated shortage of 3,800 anesthesiologists in 2011, and trends suggest that this shortage will only grow in the coming years. By 2020, the shortage of anesthesiologists is expected…