The physician shortage continues to disrupt patient care, particularly in primary care. Patients are waiting months for appointments, and in rural areas, finding a physician can be incredibly difficult. Independent practices struggle to stay afloat amid rising costs, complex regulations, and shrinking reimbursements. As a result, emergency departments–already stretched thin–are providing care to many patients who lack primary care access, further straining an already burdened healthcare system.  

Radiology, however, presents a different yet equally urgent challenge. Nearly half of all radiologists are nearing retirement, and by 2033, the field is projected to face a shortage of 42,000 radiologists. At the same time, imaging demand is skyrocketing, fueled primarily by the aging population. Residency programs have responded by expanding, offering a record number of positions. But despite this growth, radiology’s applicant pool has been shrinking, raising concerns about the future workforce.  

These contrasting realities highlight the complexity of the physician workforce crisis. While primary care struggles to attract and retain enough physicians to meet demand, radiology is proactively expanding–but faces uncertainty about long-term interest. Addressing these disparities requires a coordinated effort, including increased residency slots, policy reforms, and sustainable reimbursement models to ensure both frontline physicians and specialists can meet the evolving needs of patients.  

To learn more about the challenges facing radiology in 2025, tune into Zotec Answers and check out a previous A to ZPAC blog post.