1. Physician assistants’ unique career flexibility

Physician assistants are educated as generalists, which enables them to switch specialties throughout their careers. That flexibility often attracts students to the profession. Unlike physicians, who face significant barriers to changing specialties because of residency or fellowship requirements, PAs receive an expansive medical education and participate in different clinical rotations that help them explore many fields.

Data from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants shows that about half of all board-certified PAs have swapped specialties at least once, and 31% have done so twice or more. They report switching for a better work-life balance, to relocate, or because of other personal interests or organizational challenges. Experts advise PAs considering a specialty change to do as much research as possible about the new field, talk to their mentors, and prepare for the learning curve. Despite its challenges, many PAs say that changing specialties enhances their skills and strengthens their clinical expertise.

(Medscape, November 13, 2024)

2. DEA extends telehealth prescribing rules for one year

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has extended telehealth prescribing rules for controlled substances until December 31, 2025. These rules, introduced initially during the pandemic, let DEA-licensed providers prescribe Schedule 2-5 controlled substances through telehealth without requiring an in-person visit.

The extension gives lawmakers and the incoming Trump administration more time to determine the future of telehealth prescribing. Questions remain on how to regulate prescriptions for highly addictive drugs, such as Adderall and oxycodone, when prescribed without in-person evaluations.

Congress is expected to address broader telehealth access by including a two-year extension for Medicare telehealth services in an end-of-year healthcare package.

(Fierce Healthcare, November 18, 2024)

3. Why hobbies are essential for physician well-being

In a KevinMD podcast, pediatric cardiologist and certified physician development coach Dr. Ben Reinking emphasized the role hobbies play in preventing physician burnout. Drawing from his personal experiences and coaching sessions, Dr. Reinking explained how engaging in hobbies outside work helps physicians reconnect with their values, find joy, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

In the episode, Dr. Reinking shared real-world examples of doctors whose intense focus on work led them to lose touch with their passions. He highlighted ways docs can set professional boundaries, rediscover their interests, and improve efficiency at work to reclaim time for hobbies.

Dr. Reinking stressed that cultivating joy beyond the clinic is essential for sustaining a fulfilling career and personal life, reminding physicians that taking care of themselves ultimately benefits their patients.

(KevinMD, November 13, 2024)

4. Younger doctors challenge medicine’s culture of overwork

Younger physicians are challenging the traditional workaholic culture in medicine by promoting work-life balance and updating expectations. While older generations viewed medicine as a “calling” and accepted demanding schedules, younger doctors are pushing for flexible options, like shorter workweeks or virtual roles, leading to generational tension.

Some veteran doctors worry this shift may reduce learning opportunities and patient care quality, with one, in particular, noting their training came from long hours and crisis management. Older doctors sympathize with these concerns, acknowledging that the traditional model contributed to high suicide and divorce rates among physicians. The changing healthcare environment, where most doctors are employees rather than private practitioners, has amplified administrative burdens, prompting many to push back against overwork.

(Advisory Board, November 11, 2024)

5. AMA President calls for unity to address healthcare challenges

At the 2024 AMA Interim Meeting, AMA President Dr. Bruce A. Scott called on physicians to come together to address the challenges plaguing the healthcare system. He pointed to issues like physician burnout and the financial pressures forcing independent practices to shut down. Dr. Scott stressed the need for unified advocacy to safeguard physicians and patients.

Key AMA initiatives include:

• Medicare Payment Reform: Advocating to reverse a 2.8% payment cut for 2025 and tie Medicare reimbursements to inflationary costs, ensuring financial stability for practices.
• Prior Authorization Reform: Successes include over two dozen state-level bills and federal CMS rule updates to streamline care and reduce delays.
• Defending Scope of Practice: In 2024, the AMA defeated more than 80 bills that sought to expand nonphysician provider roles, citing patient safety concerns.

Dr. Scott stressed that a unified physician community can enact meaningful reforms to sustain the profession and improve patient care.

(American Medical Association, November 8, 2024)

6. Why doctors dominate America’s highest-paying professions

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctors claimed 16 of the top 20 spots on the list of highest-paid occupations in the US. Pediatric surgeons lead the chart with an average annual salary of $449,320, followed by cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons. 

Research highlights several factors that drive these high salaries—extensive training (12–15 years), long hours, and a limited supply of doctors in the US. This shortage stems partly from caps on medical school enrollments and residencies, which economists argue inflate wages. The federal government, through Medicare, sets high prices for medical services, contributing to elevated healthcare costs.

Specialists from elite schools often pursue higher-paying fields like neurosurgery, earning an average of $920,500 annually. While medical salaries help doctors address student loan debt exceeding $200,000 on average, critics suggest that artificial limits on the supply of physicians keep salaries high.

(USA Today, November 8, 2024)

7. Primary care delivery needs a creative overhaul to address shortages

By 2036, the country is expected to be short by 86,000 physicians while the needs of an aging population continue to grow. Existing care delivery models, including traditional clinics and telehealth, fail to adequately address these gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas. Physicians are overwhelmed, and patients need more care options, which creates a reliance on costly emergency rooms.

Solutions like mobile clinics, remote diagnostic tools, and care stations in grocery stores or workplaces help make primary care more accessible and convenient for patients. Coordinating transportation and adding diagnostic tools to virtual visits can also improve care for underserved areas and help manage practice costs.

Physicians are encouraged to collaborate with community partners and adopt new technologies to scale care without adding stress to their current practice.

(Medical Economics, November 5, 2024)

8. Top states for physicians in 2025

Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin stand out in 2025, offering physicians better financial rewards, quality of life, and robust healthcare systems.

Minnesota leads with the highest average physician salary of $360,383 and a low cost of living. Its prestigious institutions like the Mayo Clinic, strong reproductive rights protections, and high quality-of-life rankings make it ideal for doctors seeking both professional and personal satisfaction.

Massachusetts boasts high female physician representation and top national public health and healthcare access rankings. The state’s progressive laws and support from organizations like the Massachusetts Medical Society also create a thriving environment for healthcare providers.

Wisconsin combines solid financial incentives, excellent patient safety outcomes, and low living costs. Physicians benefit from state advocacy groups and renowned medical centers like Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.

These states exemplify how supportive environments help empower physicians to deliver quality care while thriving professionally.

(MDLinx, November 20, 2024)