Group predicts physician shortage in Wisconsin

The state needs to train or recruit an additional 100 physicians a year through 2030 to meet the projected demand for health care, according to a new Wisconsin Hospital Association report. 
 

The association has warned of the pending shortage in previous reports, most recently in 2008. In a report released Tuesday, the group attempts to estimate the size of the potential shortage and says the state must act immediately to lessen its effect.
 

"Medical education is a long process," said Chuck Shabino, a physician and senior medical adviser to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. "When we start doing planning, particularly around physician supply, we need to look far out."
 

The report estimates that Wisconsin conservatively will need an additional 2,196 doctors - beyond those that would normally join to the workforce - by 2030.