Ohio Faces Doctor Shortage As Workforce Ages
Ohio healthcare leaders are preparing for an impending shortage of approximately 1,000 doctors over the next several years, driven by an aging population and a retiring workforce, local12.com reported. TriHealth CEO Terri Hanlon-Bremer stated that the state faces a growing demand for medical care just as experienced professionals prepare to leave the field. TriHealth serves more than 800,000 patients annually across Greater Cincinnati, relying on a steady supply of physicians and nurses to maintain operations. Hanlon-Bremer discussed how one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest healthcare systems is preparing for the challenge—and why the solution may be found right here at home. She noted that more people are reaching retirement age both within the workforce and among patients, explaining, In Greater Cincinnati, we know that our older individuals that are in the workforce are looking to retire out,
and adding, We know demographically that the population of 64, 65, and older is growing. And it’s growing pretty significantly.
TriHealth Retains Staff And Builds Pipelines
To combat the looming deficit, TriHealth is implementing a two-part strategy focused on retaining current employees and developing new talent, according to local12.com. Hanlon-Bremer detailed that the system is working within its own College of Good Samaritan to generate new nurses and allied health professionals while partnering with other regional academic centers and health systems to build a pipeline of new recruits. The health system operates its own College of Good Samaritan to train nurses and allied health professionals. Dr. Lorraine Stephens, TriHealth’s vice president of academic affairs, began her career at the organization in 1993 at the bedside before moving into senior leadership. Stephens now assists with recruitment and academic program growth to accommodate additional learners.
Xavier University Prepares New Medical School
A major expansion to the region’s medical pipeline is taking shape at Xavier University, which is opening a new College of Osteopathic Medicine, local12.com reported. Founding Dean Dr. Steven Halm noted that the program received almost 3,000 applicants for its initial 90 seats, stating, We have almost 3,000 applicants for 90 positions,
and So we have 90 seats for students come August.
The university plans to welcome its first class of medical students in August 2027 and expand enrollment to 180 students per class by its third year. TriHealth will provide the majority of clinical training opportunities for these students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience alongside practicing physicians across various specialties. Halm described the specialties involved, noting, Our physicians will become family physicians, internists, pediatricians, surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists,
and adding, Many of these specialists are going to be trained at TriHealth.
Healthcare leaders hope that training students in Greater Cincinnati hospitals and medical practices will encourage more graduates to establish their careers in the region after completing their education and residency.