Increasing demand for Anesthesiologists' services.
The American Association of Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to 120,000 physicians across all specialties by the year 2030. And with an ever-growing population of older Americans, the demand for anesthesia and surgical services will increase.
A study by the RAND Corporation predicts the U.S. will experience a shortage of Anesthesiologists in the 4,500-12,500 range by the year 2020.
Over 20 percent of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers already face a deficit of Anesthesiologists, according to a recent report by the Department of Veterans Affairs. CRNAs may be able to provide physician-capacity relief.
Sources: American Association of Medical Colleges, American Society of Anesthesiologists, RAND Corporation.