Addressing Workforce Shortages Through Equitable Design of Education and Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inequities in the healthcare landscape and has also exposed workforce shortages that exist at multiple levels in the healthcare atmosphere. In addition to the supply chain and economic shortages over the last calendar year, the healthcare industry has been ravished by labor shortages, disrupting patient care and education for students in many ways. The American College of Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of 122,000 physicians by 2023. Furthermore, rural areas experience greater disparities in workforce shortages than urban areas, and the demand for workers in both rural and urban areas alike will increase as the baby boomer generations age and head towards retirement. This policy position paper will highlight various existing programs for addressing workforce shortages, creating an effective recruitment strategy, getting youth interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, how to offer stipends for students working as direct support professionals, and looking into possible policy recommendations for addressing workforce shortages. After reviewing these areas, we summarize a wide variety of strategies for employers to implement in creating a more effective workforce including investing in workforce development programs and creating more opportunities for youth.