The latest episode of the Elevate Care podcast delivers a compelling discussion on evolving workforce challenges in healthcare, featuring Patrick Hemstreet, Senior Director of Strategy at AMN Healthcare. With insights grounded in his extensive industry experience, Patrick explores critical topics such as the growing physician shortage, innovative approaches to locum tenens usage, and the role of emerging technology in addressing these hurdles.  

The Physician Shortage: A Growing Concern  

The critical physician shortage continues to strain the healthcare system. With 86,000 physician vacancies projected by 2036, hospitals and health systems face mounting challenges in meeting the needs of an aging population, increasing rates of chronic illness, and rising patient demand. Burnout among existing medical professionals compounds the issue, intensifying the need for immediate solutions to bridge these workforce gaps.  

Locum Tenens as a Strategic Solution  

A central focus of the discussion is the expanding role of locum tenens in healthcare staffing. Unlike travel nursing and allied healthcare markets, which are experiencing retraction, utilization of locum tenens is increasing—up 10% this year and projected to rise by 15% next year. Locum tenens not only address acute shortfalls caused by retirements or burnout but are also emerging as a key component of long-term workforce strategies. By combining locums with full-time equivalent (FTE) physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs), health systems can ensure quality care while maintaining operational flexibility.  

Workforce Composition and the Power of Data  

Achieving an optimal workforce balance is foundational to overcoming physician shortages. By leveraging precise data and analytics, healthcare leaders can evaluate whether specific roles should be filled by FTEs or locums, ensuring the right mix of staff to maintain both financial performance and patient care standards. Proper workforce composition not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also provides a framework for long-term stability in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.  

A Turning Point for Technology  

The episode also examines the transformative role of technology in healthcare staffing. Tools like vendor management systems (VMS) and AI are changing the way organizations recruit and manage locum tenens. Automation plays a crucial role in streamlining credentialing, analyzing workforce data, and accelerating placement processes. These innovations reduce administrative costs, improve efficiency, and ensure that health systems can respond quickly to changing demands. By integrating these technologies, healthcare organizations can move away from outdated manual processes and adopt a more dynamic approach to workforce management.  

With so much at stake, healthcare leaders cannot afford to overlook the value of strategic workforce planning and technological innovation. For a deeper understanding of these timely issues, listen to the full episode of the Elevate Care podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes, where healthcare experts share actionable insights for navigating the industry's most pressing challenges.  

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