1. Locum tenens offers flexibility for retiring physicians amid growing shortages

Aging baby boomers are straining healthcare systems, contributing to an expected shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. According to the US Census Bureau, all Baby Boomers will be over the age of 65 within a decade, which will likely increase the demand for healthcare services.

Locum tenens roles offer a flexible and balanced solution to the increased demand. These positions enable seasoned physicians to continue practicing without the burden of a full-time role, allowing them to extend their careers. By taking locum positions, doctors approaching retirement can help manage the rising demand for healthcare services.

These roles are attractive to both retired physicians and younger doctors because they provide better work-life balance, the ability to work on one’s own terms, and the opportunity to focus solely on patient care while avoiding administrative burdens. Additional incentives include simplified credentialing, reduced technological demands, and opportunities for remote practice.

(KevinMD, July 11, 2024)

2. Physicians advocate for sustainable work-life practices

Clinicians’ work-life balance is evolving due to demographic shifts, technological advances, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians Dr. Maryam Lustberg and Dr. Lena M. Katz emphasize the importance of taking personal time to prevent burnout. However, structural changes like resident work-hour restrictions and increased administrative tasks complicate the work-life dynamic for younger doctors. 

The growing number of women in medicine underlines the unequal distribution of household responsibilities, adding to their stress. Experts argue that systemic changes are necessary to create more sustainable work practices. Proposed changes include better administrative support, flexible scheduling, fostering a sense of community among healthcare workers, and comprehensive parental leave policies. Addressing these challenges will ensure a better work-life balance for all clinicians.

(Healio, June 23, 2024) 

3. Physician burnout drops below 50%; AMA creates a roadmap to improve physician well-being

Physician burnout has significantly declined, dropping below 50% for the first time since 2020, according to the AMA’s “Organizational Biopsy” survey. This progress marks a milestone in the battle against burnout, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address its root causes. The survey, which gathered insights from over 12,400 physicians across 81 health systems and organizations, revealed a decrease in burnout from 53% in 2022 to 48% in 2023. Job satisfaction also improved, rising from 68% in 2022 to 72% in 2023. However, job stress remains a significant concern, with 51% of physicians experiencing high levels of stress, down just 56% from the previous year.

The AMA continues to advocate for systemic changes to enhance physician well-being, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued in the workplace. In 2023, 50% of physicians reported feeling valued by their organization, up from 46% in 2022. Despite these gains, 16% of physicians feel undervalued. 

The AMA’s “Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program” provides a roadmap for health systems to implement supportive programs and policies, recognizing that burnout costs the US healthcare system an estimated $5 billion a year.

(American Medical Association, July 2, 2024) 

4. Medscape report reveals high career satisfaction among PAs despite administrative challenges

According to Medscape’s 2024 Physician Assistant Career Satisfaction Report, most physician assistants are satisfied with their career choices and professional relationships. Nearly 90% of the more than 2,000 surveyed PAs indicated they would choose the same career again, and a similar percentage reported positive working relationships with physicians. Many PAs emphasized their ability to help people and form meaningful patient relationships as key factors in their job satisfaction.

However, the report also highlighted significant challenges, such as workplace policies and administrative burdens. Despite these issues, pandemic-related job dissatisfaction has decreased, with only 29% of PAs reporting reduced happiness due to COVID-19, down from 37% the previous year. Overall, satisfaction remains high, despite 11% of PAs expressing dissatisfaction with their physician interactions. Additionally, a growing number of PAs are contemplating a switch in specialties, with two-thirds having considered or made a change since last year.

(Medscape, July 5, 2024)

5. Supreme Court overturns Chevron deference, opening up healthcare agencies to potential lawsuits

The Supreme Court recently overturned Chevron deference, a 40-year-old legal precedent, in a 6-3 ruling. This precedent allowed courts to defer to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous laws. Chief Justice John Roberts described the framework as “unworkable,” noting it enabled agencies to change regulations without Congressional approval. Experts predict this decision could lead to more lawsuits against agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services. For instance, Hackensack Meridian Health has already sued the HHS Secretary after the ruling.

Now, Congress may need to be more explicit in its legislation to guide agencies. Groups like the American Cancer Society argue that overturning Chevron could disrupt programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, which rely on agency expertise. Critics of Chevron claimed it unfairly favored government regulators, allowing rules to change with new administrations and limiting judicial discretion.

(Becker’s Hospital Review, June 28, 2024)

6. AMA: Essential steps for physicians seeking employment and key considerations

Finding the right physician job, especially for final-year residents or fellows, involves more than evaluating location and compensation. Doctors can consider factors such as local demand for their specialty, available resources, and payer mix before making a decision.

Physicians should prepare for a rigorous and time-consuming job search, often receiving over 100 job solicitations. Key considerations when looking for a job include having detailed discussions with recruiters, involving significant others in decision-making, and preparing comprehensive questions about compensation, relocation, daily work, on-call expectations, patient load, and mentoring. Additionally, understanding the financial health of potential employers is crucial.

The AMA offers valuable job search resources for physicians, such as the “AMA STEPS Forward” toolkit, which includes guides to help them secure the best possible contracts.

(American Medical Association, July 2, 2024) 

7. Key trends shaping the future of healthcare in 2024 and beyond

The healthcare industry faces significant post-pandemic challenges, including poor patient health, declining clinical quality, strained clinician experience, and high costs. Advisory Board reports that key paradigm shifts will reshape care delivery, provider roles, and payment methods, offering healthcare leaders opportunities for adaptation and future success.

Key trends for 2024 and beyond include:

1. Evolving Care Delivery: Hospitals are no longer the default care hubs. National players are acquiring assets outside hospitals to coordinate care and manage spending. 
2. Technology Integration: Workforce challenges persist, with advancements in AI reshaping clinician roles and workflows. 
3. Bespoke Care Innovations: Personalized therapies and diagnostics are moving healthcare towards patient-centric care, requiring new strategies for financing, delivery, and competition. 

Healthcare leaders should strategically plan, invest in technology, and adapt business models to meet these emerging needs. 

(Advisory Board, July 19, 2024)