Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Scott Becker - The End of Physician-Led Primary Care? 7-14-25
Jul 15, 2025
The podcast dives into the shift away from physician-led primary care, highlighting personal stories that reveal appointment challenges. It discusses how nurse practitioners and physician assistants are stepping up to fill the gaps caused by workforce shortages. The conversation raises crucial questions about the quality and accessibility of care in this new model, painting a vivid picture of the evolving healthcare landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Primary Care Appointment Delay
- Scott Becker's primary care doctor could not see him until April 2026 for a regular annual physical.
- This delay highlights the overwhelming strain on the primary care system today.
Primary Care Workforce Shortage
- The US produces about 8,000 primary care doctors yearly, far fewer than needed for 340 million people.
- Primary care will likely become triaged, relying more on nurse practitioners and PAs for most patient care.
Lengthy Physician Training
- Physician education remains lengthy, with doctors ready to practice around age 30 or 31.
- Other countries shorten medical training, and adopting such models could help address physician shortages.