General Practitioners

Employment of general practitioners is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. One reason for growth is that the population is steadily increasing and people are living longer, requiring more health care services. Another factor is the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which has increased the number of people who are covered by health insurance. Additionally, job prospects are especially good for primary care physicians because more insurance companies are using HMOs and PPOs. These plans require that their insurance holders see a general practitioner first in order to get a referral to a specialist. A shortage of between 20,000 and 40,400 primary care physicians is expected by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Because most physicians choose to practice in urban areas, these areas are often oversupplied and fiercely competitive. General practitioners just entering the field may find it difficult to enter a practice and build a patient base in a big city. Because of this oversupply, future physicians may be more likely to work fewer hours, have lower earnings, or practice in underserved areas. There is a growing need for physicians in rural communities and small towns, so general practitioners who are willing to locate in these areas should have excellent job prospects.