Physician shortages continue to put a strain on the country’s medical system, and it’s only predicted to get worse.

Dr. Fredrick Bierman, a physician of nearly 50 years focusing on pediatric cardiology and the director of graduate medical education at Westchester Medical Center, has seen the health care system evolve throughout his career, with the latest development being a shortage of physicians.

“It's motivation to deal with the challenges that I encounter as a physician, because the rewards are so much greater in terms of what I do for the community and my colleagues,” Bierman said.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts the U.S. could see a shortage of approximately 122,000 physicians by 2032 as demand is exceeding supply for both primary care and specialist physicians.

“What needs to happen is there has to be an increase in the number of residency slots provided by the federal government that will increase the number of trainees to match the increase in number of medical school graduates,” Bierman said.

Despite this, the AAMC said there’s been a 31% increase in medical school enrollment since 2002. Last year, the federal government provided funding for an increase in the number of residency slots by approximately 1,000 positions over five years – but Bierman said that’s not enough.

In Congress, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 is under consideration. If passed, it would expand Medicare-supported medical residency positions by 14,000 over seven years.

“I think there will be greater integration into the health care workforce of advanced practice providers. Those are nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They will support our health care delivery system,” Bierman said.

Bierman said Westchester Medical Center is preparing for future changes in the health care system by training hundreds of residents and fellows from its own graduate medical education program and other institutions, matching with around 145 each year.

“While it can be arduous, and it takes a considerable amount of time and expense to complete training as a physician, at the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, no matter how exhausted you may be, you know you made a difference in someone's life,” Bierman said.

The AAMC said the U.S. population is predicted to grow by 10.6% from around 328 million people to 363 million people. There’s a projected increase of about 42.4% in those 65 and older, meaning the demand for physicians is only expected to go up.