The Ending of the Physician Era. Begin the Age of the APP. (HealthLeaders Media)

The article discusses the growing shortage of physicians in the U.S., projected to be 86,000 by 2036, including 40,400 primary care physicians. Health systems are increasingly relying on Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to fill the gap. While APPs can efficiently expand access to care, some experts argue they should complement, not replace, physicians. The debate continues on whether APP-led teams can maintain high-quality care and control costs effectively.