The Futures Program: A Solution to the Physician Shortage in Geriatrics and Long-Term Care

Today’s digital and print geriatrics news are citing, almost daily, the overall workforce shortage being experienced in United States. When we look specifically at health care, it reflects what is occurring general workforce. Within I want to focus on physicians. There limited studies physician workforce; however, there many projections of shortages, based forecasting models, by 2030. In terms physicians, numbers staggeringly high. 2006 baby boomer generation started turning 60, 2030 this population will have grown from 36.8 million 70 when all boomers reached age 65. The American Geriatrics Society anticipates that 36,000 geriatricians be needed Currently, approximately 7,600 practicing We a short nine years experiencing geriatric “perfect storm.” As continues, data reflect ongoing trend fill gap with advanced practice practitioners. An article published Association Nurse Practitioners 2019 (https://bit.ly/2UH0rW2) found “by 2026, Bureau Labor Statistics projects NP role 36 percent compared 13 for physicians excluding anesthesiologists surgeons.” Although lack nursing-home–specific data, Medicare billing demonstrate continued growth number practitioners nursing home settings. something Society, partnership its Foundation, has been focused since 2001. Fortunately, AMDA – Post-Acute Long-Term Care Medicine, Society’s 2001, Futures Program was created. One program’s primary goals introduce residents fellows long-term care settings inform them about opportunities these settings, including medical director. This year celebrating 20th anniversary, Foundation proud report that:•Approximately 1,250 people participated Program.•20% participants received their Certified Medical Director (CMD) designation.•25% taken Core Curriculum. Many served as committee chairs, board members, national leaders PALTC. you consider future senior think words Bill Gates his book Road Ahead (Viking Penguin, 1995): “We always overestimate change occur next two underestimate ten.” 10 pivotal older expands labor force shrinks. Those us serving view an opportunity. vision expand ensure interested expertise caring adults PALTC environment. Further, especially considering shortage, plan continue expanding tailoring program include more interdisciplinary such nurse practitioners, assistants, social workers, PharmD graduates. Curriculum enhancements also considered changes due COVID-19 pandemic. Foundation’s goal support education, through funding, so they better understand uniqueness available within spectrum. preparation during years, please joining work helping enhancement Program. Visit https://www.paltcfoundation.org/ if contributing Ms. Wassenaar owner Consulting, LLC, member Board Directors.