Is There a Physician Shortage in the US? Here’s What the Stats Say

November 27, 2024January 10, 2022 by Justin Nabity

The healthcare system has plenty of challenges.

First, there’s the high cost of care and the lack of insurance coverage by millions of Americans. So it’s no surprise some things need fixing, adjusting, and improving to make healthcare more accessible.

But the biggest issue in healthcare is one whose stark reality is looming on the horizon:

We’re on the brink of a shortage of physicians in several different specialties and areas of medicine.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re working in a hospital, running a private practice, or working in a fully-staffed medical center. For people that don’t work in healthcare, it may seem hard to believe that there aren’t enough physicians available to provide as much care as patients need.

But it is true.

There is a physician shortage, and many predict it’ll only worsen.

Are you ready to learn the facts about the growing physician shortage in the United States?

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the statistics.

Disability Insurance for Dentists and Oral Surgeons

April 13, 2023January 4, 2022 by Justin Nabity

Young black dentist posing at clinic over modern cabinet, empty space

Whether you’re a general dentist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, endodontist, or another type of dental professional, you know that dentistry is rewarding work. Therefore, disability insurance for a dentist is important.

Further than the education and experience alone, it also provides you another benefit:

The opportunity to earn a higher-than-average salary.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average dentist salary in the U.S. is approximately $164,000 per year.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons top the field as the highest income earners of all MD dentists, making an average of roughly $235,000 per year.

And when you earn a physician’s salary, you need to protect it with a disability insurance plan.

From how much it costs to picking the right insurer, here’s our guide to disability insurance for dentists and oral surgeons.

Physicians Thrive can help you choose the best disability insurance to protect yourself, your family, and your dental practice. Contact us today to find out how.

Provider Reviews: MassMutual Disability Insurance

July 3, 2025January 2, 2022 by Justin Nabity

woman-in-blue-jacket-sitting-on-chair-3740558

For physicians and other high-income earners, long-term disability insurance is a must.

If you become injured, ill, or disabled and cannot work, disability insurance will provide you with income. It’s a way to protect your family and provide for your future without having to dip into your savings or retirement funds.

But, like all forms of insurance, it can be difficult to decide which disability policy to select.

Today we’re taking a look into what a disability insurance policy from MassMutual looks like. This disability insurance review will discuss how it can benefit you in the event that you can no longer perform the duties in your current line of work.

Physicians Thrive can help you find the best disability insurance for you and your loved ones. We can help you pick the best insurance riders, guide you through the application process, and answer any questions you have along the way.

Here is our complete provider review on MassMutual disability insurance.

Full Guide to Surgeon Salaries by Specialty and Region

October 1, 2025December 18, 2021 by Justin Nabity

There are dozens of paths you can choose for a career in healthcare. For a physician, the career path you take depends on the residency program you choose. Here’s our full guide to general surgeon wages, including by surgical subspecialties and region

While some residency programs have one specific focus, others, such as general surgery, give you the option to pursue several different paths.

Nonetheless, not all general surgeons earn the same salary. The type of general surgeon you become, along with where you choose to work, will directly impact your salary.

Ready to learn which general surgeons earn the most and which earn the least?

Can Physicians Have Cool Cars and Houses and Still Retire Early?

August 11, 2023December 10, 2021 by Justin Nabity

Car doctor with stethoscope in a car showroom talking on the phone

Amongst people who don’t work in medicine, it’s a common misconception that all doctors drive expensive luxury cars and live in big, fancy houses.

But as a physician, you know that’s not always the case.

Perhaps you know a few physicians who are always driving the newest Cadillac or speeding off to their fabulous weekend vacation home in their brand new Benz. However, just as many physicians are perfectly content driving a Chevrolet, Mazda, or Subaru.

Some physicians choose to live modestly so they can save more money and retire early. Others prefer to splurge on cars, homes, and luxury items that lower-income earners only dream of.

So the question is this:

Can physicians have cool cars and houses and still retire early?

The good news is:

Yes, it is possible to find the happy medium between spending on luxury items and saving enough to retire before the age of 65.

Budgeting 101 – How To Lower Administrative Costs In Your Practice

December 18, 2025December 7, 2021 by Justin Nabity

No matter what kind of practice you manage, you could probably be cutting expenses in at least one area: administrative costs. That’s not a callout; it’s the reality that most practices face, especially in complex industries like healthcare. In fact, experts say that administrative complexity within the United States healthcare system could contribute to a … Read more

Full Guide to Physicians Malpractice Tail Coverage

January 3, 2025November 1, 2021 by Justin Nabity

Every doctor knows that malpractice insurance is essential to protect their career. However, few fully understand why malpractice tail coverage is so important.

Even if you plan on staying at your current position until you retire, you cannot fully control every factor that would make that a reality.

For example, you might be in good standing with your healthcare organization. However, the organization itself might be failing financially and go under. Where would that leave you?

Do you still need malpractice tail coverage if your current malpractice policy is about to end and you plan on changing up insurance companies?

These questions and more are going to be answered with this full guide to physicians’ malpractice tail coverage.

Primary Care Physician Salaries [And the Factors That Influence Them]

July 5, 2023October 31, 2021 by Justin Nabity

Physician wearing scrubs, hat, and a surgical mask in hospital

With the job title of primary care physician, you are the number one point of contact with your patients.

You’d think that your pay would reflect that.

However, according to The Heartland Institute, the salary for primary care physicians has barely increased in the past five years, while specialty physicians have seen a constant rise in salary.

Now, data from Sullivan Cotter does show that physician compensation across the board is still rising due to increased demand.

This means that physicians have more leverage in salary negotiations.

While there are certain factors that you can’t control, you can take measures to ensure that you are earning a base salary above the national average.

This article will delve into those measures. We’ll also discuss ways to protect your income and how to set yourself up for a strong financial future.

What to Know About Submitting an ERAS Application

May 20, 2022October 27, 2021 by Justin Nabity

eras-applicationTwo women doctors standing in front of a chalkboard with graduation caps drawn on it above their heads

As a medical school student, you probably already have a general understanding of what the ERAS system is. The further along you are in medical school, the more likely you’ve heard your peers chatting about it.

Some students wait until it’s time to register to learn the system and all of its complexities. Other students prefer to get a leg up and do their research on ERAS in advance.

By the end of your third year of medical education, you’ll need to start thinking about which residency training program you want to attend. And that means you’ll need to have a thorough understanding of what the Electronic Residency Application Service is all about.

Whether you’re ready to fill one out now or preparing in advance, here’s everything you need to know about submitting an ERAS application.

Your Guide to Kentucky Medical Licensing

April 8, 2025October 22, 2021 by Justin Nabity

Kentucky is known as the horse racing capital of the world, set against a backdrop of catchy country tunes and clinking bourbon glasses.

However, what many people don’t realize is that The Bluegrass State has a serious lack of doctors. With only 10,319 physicians practicing there, Kentucky holds the #36 spot for physicians per 100,000 residents.

That’s why aspiring physicians are racing to Kentucky to set up practices!

In addition, doing so is easier than ever.

Here’s your full guide to Kentucky medical licensing.

Collaborate with the experts at Physicians Thrive.

Contract Services

Protect Yourself

Manage Your Money

Practice Management

Get connected. Join Us.