Steph Berend's struggle to find timely pediatric care for her son reflects a broader issue: a significant shortage of pediatric specialists in America—particularly in underserved areas.
A concerning trend is the decline in medical students choosing pediatrics, with about 8% fewer entering the field in 2020 compared to 2015, exacerbating the workforce shortage.
The financial realities of a pediatrics career deter many medical students, as pediatricians earn significantly less—up to 25%—than their counterparts in other specialties despite similar training.
With over a third of U.S. children on Medicaid, low state reimbursement rates create a financial disincentive for physicians, contributing to the pediatrician shortage.
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