Top10 specialties for locum tenens in 2024

1. Family Medicine
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has projected a shortage of up to 48,000 family medicine physicians by 2034, with the demand for this specialty growing at an average of 2-4% per year.

2. Anesthesiology
The AAMC is estimating a shortage of nearly 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033. This shortage is due to many anesthesiologists nearing retirement age, as well as in increased number of early retirees caused by burnout. A survey by Medscape in 2023 reported that 35% of anesthesiologists suffer from burnout, and 42% of those respondents say that burnout has had a strong and severe impact on their lives. Many anesthesiologists have found that locum tenens has helped them find the ideal work/life balance that is necessary to avoid burnout. The schedule control and flexibility is unmatched.

3. OB/GYN
OB/GYNs are notoriously always in short supply, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expecting there to be a shortage of more than 5,000 OB/GYNs by 2030. According to a 2022 report, an additional 5% of U.S. counties lost access to an OB/GYN in just two years, and 2.2 million women now lack access to care. This means women must travel long distances to see a physician, or receive no care at all.

4. Gastroenterology
The demand for gastroenterologists has continued to grow, while the ability of physicians to keep up with the demand has not. An estimated 1,630 gastroenterologists will leave the field between 2023 and 2025 due to early retirement, burnout, and a desire for a better work/life balance.

5. Internal Medicine
The demand for internal medicine physicians to work as hospitalists is growing at 10-14%, notably faster than average. Research has found that half as many resident doctors are electing internal medicine compared to 10 years ago. Hospitalists are seeing record patients volumes and extended hours far more often than usual.

6. Neurology
The U.S. Physician Data Dashboard from the AAMC shows that out of 14,636 neurologists nationwide, nearly 31% are 65 or older. The American Medical Association reported that the number of neurologists who treat patients in the U.S. has only grown by 598 in the last decade. As many of these physicians retire, the demand for this specialty will continue to increase.

7. Surgical Specialties
The National Institute of Health is predicting that by 2023 there will be an estimated shortage of 23,000 surgeons in the U.S. The demand is high in various surgical specialties, including neurological, orthopedic, vascular, as well as general surgery. Nearly 25% of general surgeons are 65 or older, nearing retirement. Also, many surgeons are located in urban areas, and focusing on niche sub-specialties, which makes it harder for those in rural or disadvantaged areas to receive care.

8. Medical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 report predicted a significant increase in demand for medical oncologists, the demand is expected to rise by as much as 40%. ASCO research findings state that “the oncology workforce is concentrated in a small number of urban counties - and most rural counties on the U.S. have no medical oncologists”. Several factors have contributed to this shortage, including geographic disparities in cancer incidence and recovery rates, lingering impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic, regional socio-economic considerations, insurance industry concerns, and the number of 65+ practitioners who may be retiring. Early burnout is common among medical oncologists, as the administrative burden from pay or pressure often drains their capacity.

9. Psychiatry
As mental health awareness grows among the public, a greater need for psychiatric services arises. By 2030, the number of practicing psychiatrists in the U.S. is expected to decrease by 20%, leaving a shortage of 12,000 providers. 160 million Americans live in a psychiatry shortage area, and this is only expected to worsen.

10. Cardiology
The AAMC predicted that there will be a shortage of 120,000 cardiologists by 2030. The need for cardiologists is expected to continue increasing, at least through 2033. An aging population that will require complex healthcare in increasing numbers, a growing share of cardiologists reaching retirement age, and fewer new physicians specializing in cardiology, are all contributing factors to this growing need.