Tired of pleasing ‘corporate masters,’ physician union membership rises (Healio)

Unionization among U.S. healthcare professionals, especially physicians, is increasing as corporatization intensifies and physician autonomy erodes. Spurred by hospital system consolidation, private equity ownership, and COVID-19 burnout, many clinicians—particularly trainees—are turning to unions like the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU), which now represents 20% of the resident workforce. Surveys reveal over 60% of nonunionized residents would vote to unionize, citing pay and working conditions. Critics argue unionization risks physician professionalism, but others view it as a needed counterweight to corporate control. Strikes remain rare but are growing as a negotiation tool, raising ethical and legal complexities.