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How worries over a physician surplus led to today's doctor shortage : The Indicator from Planet Money The doctor shortage is a growing problem across the U.S. But there was a time when the government, researchers, and medical professionals worried about a doctor surplus.

The Indicator from Planet Money

What's the cure for America's doctor shortage?

What's the cure for America's doctor shortage?

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) A medical staff member Stephanie takes a short nap in nursing station in the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) at the United Memorial Medical Center on December 14, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images) Go Nakamura/Getty Images hide caption

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Go Nakamura/Getty Images

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) A medical staff member Stephanie takes a short nap in nursing station in the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) at the United Memorial Medical Center on December 14, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images)

Go Nakamura/Getty Images

There is a doctor shortage in this country. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that if workforce trends and healthcare demand continue as expected, the U.S. could be short as many as 124,000 physicians by the year 2034.

Today, we look at the causes—and potential cures—for the nation's dearth of doctors.

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