What is causing higher demand for pulmonologists?
Pulmonologists are in higher demand now more than ever due to aging patients and the continued rise of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), which afflicts over 11 million Americans.
Despite an average yearly salary of about $312,000, internal medicine residency graduates have previously favored gastroenterology and cardiology over pulmonology.
While interest in pulmonology is growing, the National Institutes of Health projects increased hiring competition now for pulmonologists with experience.
- By 2025, there will be a deficit of 1,400 pulmonologists in the U.S.
- About 70 percent of pulmonologists are over age 55 and will be approaching retirement within the decade.
- Data gathered over the past 20 years demonstrates improved ICU outcomes and decreased operating expenses when they are staffed by dedicated Intensivist physicians, such as pulmonologists.
As pulmonologists begin to retire and demand grows, your facility will need to be ready to juggle the shortage of pulmonologists and the growing need for them.
Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. News & World Report.
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