AMA Leader Highlighted Physician Shortage Concerns
The 181st American Medical Association president addressed systemic barriers to medical training and access.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Men’s Health
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Dr. Willie Underwood III, the 181st president of the American Medical Association, has focused on the escalating physician shortage in the United States. This national issue impacts how many patients can access care, as the country faces a shortfall of 86,000 physicians.
Why it matters
Rising medical education costs, high retirement rates, and the closure of independent practices contribute to a deficit that may soon exceed 100,000 doctors. These systemic challenges affect the availability of care for all patients, including those seeking prostate cancer screenings.
The American Medical Association reports a total physician shortage of 86,000, which some estimates project will rise to over 100,000. It remains unknown exactly how future policy changes regarding reimbursement and residency programs will impact these projections.
The players
American Medical Association
A professional organization that advocates for medical policy and physician interests across the United States.
Dr. Willie Underwood III
A board-certified urologist and the 181st president of the American Medical Association.
The details
Physician shortages are driven by economic pressures, including medical school tuition that has climbed from $5,000 in 1988 to $70,000–$80,000 annually today, leaving average student debt over $125,000. Dr. Underwood, a board-certified urologist with 15 years of experience in robotic surgery, notes that systemic factors like wealth and housing also create healthcare disparities. Robotic surgery involves using a console to control precision arms, representing one segment of specialized care currently affected by provider availability.
Timeline
1988 was the year Dr. Underwood attended medical school.
Age 40 is the recommended age for African American men to start prostate screening.
Age 45 is the standard age for men to begin annual prostate cancer screenings.
Health Landscape
The current physician workforce is evolving under the influence of the American Medical Association's advocacy for residency expansion and updated reimbursement policies. This highlights a critical shift in how medical training and systemic infrastructure support long-term healthcare access.
The current physician shortage may impact your access to routine preventive care, such as annual prostate cancer screenings that typically involve a PSA blood test and rectal exam. It is worth discussing your specific screening timeline with your doctor based on your personal and family medical history.
The takeaway
Systemic workforce shortages are a significant factor in how patients access specialized care. If you are age 45 or older, or age 40 with a family history or identified risk, talk to your physician about the appropriate timing for your prostate cancer screenings.
Further reading
Learn more about proactive health management in the Men’s Health section.
More information
Find additional resources on the American Medical Association portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
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