US Physician Appointment Waits Reach Record 31 Days Across Major Cities

The United States is facing a significant shortage of doctors, leading to long wait times for medical appointments across many specialties, with averages reaching up to 67 days in some urban centers. This shortage is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many Americans to delay care, and projections indicate a physician shortfall of up to 86,000 by 2036. Efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages include robust mentorship programs like that at St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital, which provides medical students with hands-on clinical experience to prepare them for future roles. Meanwhile, British Columbia has seen a surge in applications from U.S.-trained healthcare professionals as part of a strategy to bolster its healthcare system, including expedited licensing processes for international doctors and plans to open a new medical school. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has yet to hold confirmation hearings for President Trump's controversial surgeon general nominee, Dr. Casey Means, raising broader questions about the role and necessity of the surgeon general's office in modern public health. These developments highlight the multifaceted challenges and policy debates surrounding healthcare access, workforce development, and public health leadership in North America.