Concerns Mount Regarding Aging of Physician Population

Between 27,000 and 28,000 of California's roughly 90,000 physicians are older than age 60, the highest percentage of doctors approaching retirement age in the U.S., according to Atul Grover, chief advocacy officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges. In Shasta County, more than 60% of physicians are older than 50. Members of the medical community are concerned that there will not be an adequate number of physicians to treat an aging baby boomer population or care for an expected influx of insured patients under the health reform law.

• "Appointment for Shortages: Shasta County Facing Aging Population of Doctors" (Sabalow, Redding Record Searchlight, 12/4).