Difficult Environment
The Facts by the Numbers
The shortage of healthcare providers is real. Between 2019-2024, NM was the only state which lost practicing doctors. NM lost 248 physicians, which is 6-7% of our doctor workforce. Meanwhile, nationally the number of doctors grew by more than 44,000.
We have also lost 22% of our OB-GYN providers during this period.
- New Mexico was the only state to lose physicians in 2024. The state has the oldest physician workforce in the U.S., with 39% over the age of 60 and expected to retire within five years.
- By 2030, New Mexico is projected to be short more than 2,100 physicians.
- US Department of Health & Human Services classifies 32 of our 33 counties as health professional shortage areas.
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED IN NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee Annual Report, October 1, 2023.