
Iowa Faces a Massive Doctor Shortage — Will the Governor’s Plan Make a Difference?
In the recent Condition of the State address from Governor Kim Reynolds, she said that she was enacting initiatives that would help curb the shortage of doctors in Iowa. Yes, you read that right. There's a shortage of doctors and Iowa is hurting in a big way.
Why is There Such a Shortage of Doctors in Iowa?
You may have heard this story in other professions because it's becoming a common theme in the news. A lot of people who did that job are coming up for retirement age, and there aren't enough trained or qualified people to take their place.
Think, pilots, engineering, education, and so many other industries experiencing labor shortages.
The Cicero Institute says by 2030, 40% of American physicians will reach retirement age, and 31.9% of Iowa physicians are within retirement range right now.
Of the 99 Iowa counties, 65 of them, according to the Cicero Institute, are health professional shortage areas.
The Cicero Institute goes on to say that Iowa is not doing so well when it comes to the availability of primary care doctors, ranking in the bottom half of the states.
It's not just doctors, either. Nurses, nurse practitioners, and LPNs have massive shortages.
What Does the Governor Have to Say About This?
If you would like to read what the Governor said in its entirety, The Condition of the State Address is here. If you would like to read a breakdown of some of the points, please check out the article below.
Read More: Iowa Governor's Condition of the State Highlights

Here is a brief portion of what she said regarding doctors:
"To accomplish this, I’m proposing to consolidate our loan repayment programs and double our investment to $10 million, while opening it to anyone who commits to practice in rural Iowa for five years, even if they’re trained elsewhere."
The Governor went on to say:
"That’s why I’m directing HHS to launch a program, in partnership with Broadlawns and the University of Iowa, to secure over $150 million in federal funds to create a projected 115 new residency slots each year at our 14 teaching hospitals. With a typical 3-4 year residency rotation, that would mean around 460 new physicians being trained right here in Iowa. That’s a game changer for rural communities and our entire state."
Please read Governor Reynolds' remarks for more on how she plans to help the shortage of not just doctors, but nurses in the state of Iowa.
So, Iowa, why aren't doctors moving or staying here?
If those doctors need a reason to come to Iowa, I would offer these fine pictures to show them the way to the great state of Iowa to do their doctoral sorcery.
Iowans Show Off Their Most Beautiful Photos of the State
Gallery Credit: Courtlin
Palisades-Kepler State Park December 30, 2024
Gallery Credit: Sloppy Joe
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