06/12/2026
Arizona is running short of doctors — and the gap is widening. Federal projections from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration show the state will need 31,170 physicians by 2038 but will have just 19,590, a shortfall of 11,580.
That means supply will meet only 63 percent of demand, among the worst rates in the nation and well below the national average of 88 percent.
The causes are clear: Arizona's population is growing and aging faster than most states, many physicians are nearing retirement, and too few residency slots exist to replace them — with rural communities hit hardest.
We examined what this means for seniors in our 2023 Special Issue on aging:
This special issue brings together esteemed contributors who are experts in the healthcare sector centered around the theme of "Healthy Aging in Arizona: Opportunities for the Senior Healthcare System." This special issue provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for healthcare providers,...