The Struggle to Find a Doctor is Real in Vermont – But Solutions Exist

     

Waiting Room

    Have you noticed an increase in wait times to see your provider, schedule a mental health checkup, or even visit your dentist recently? Vermont's severe shortage of healthcare providers receives little notice in politics or news. Between long wait times and lack of access to primary and specialty care, it’s been frustrating trying to find doctors.

    Vermont ranks 47th nationally in active patient care physicians per capita, with only 229 doctors per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 279 per 100,000. There is also a shortage of over 300 primary care providers according to a 2018 state health department study. And with nurses and doctors retiring faster than Vermont produces new graduates, the shortages are poised to worsen.


    While telemedicine helps plug some gaps, nothing can replace in-person care. If Vermont wants to keep attracting young people, it must take action to expand its healthcare workforce. Here are some solutions that could make a difference:


  • Financial incentives like student loan repayment to attract young providers to Vermont after graduation. Rural states have used these programs successfully.
  • Increasing residency and clinical rotation slots at UVM Medical Center and other teaching hospitals to retain more locally trained doctors.
  • Relaxing licensing requirements to make it easier for out-of-state doctors to relocate to Vermont and fill vacancies.
  • Investing in telehealth infrastructure to supplement limited in-person providers with remote physicians.
  • Launching awareness campaigns that promote healthcare careers to Vermont students.
  • Partnering with medical schools on scholarships for Vermont students who practice in-state after graduating.  This could nest well with current National Guard scholarships for undergraduate students.
  • Improving housing and quality of life incentives to draw more providers to live and work in Vermont long-term.

    This shortage didn’t develop overnight, and there are no quick fixes. Our rural demographics, aging population, and lack of competition help drive up costs....but there's a lot more to the story. With commitment from state leaders, Vermont can take steps to expand provider capacity, reduce costs, and improve healthcare access.


    Vermont’s natural beauty and relaxed way of life remains second to none. Enjoying all this great state has to offer includes being able to see a doctor when needed. Through smart incentives and workforce development, Vermont can work toward a future where its healthcare resources meet demand.

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