From grief to medicine

Dr. Jonathan Tyes overcame homelessness and his grandmother's death to become an anesthesiology resident at the University of Buffalo while pursuing a master of public health at Harvard.

The shortage is here

Over the next decade, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of more than 700,000 health care professionals, including physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses.

Waiting months for care

The average wait time to see a physician is 38 days, nearly three times what many experts consider medically appropriate, affecting patients across rural and urban communities.

Workers are leaving

According to a recent Harris Poll, more than half of health care workers are considering leaving their jobs, with many planning to exit the profession altogether.

“more than half of health care workers are considering leaving their jobs”

The workforce is aging

Fewer than 17% of physicians are under the age of 40, while roughly one in five is over 60, meaning experienced professionals are leaving faster than the next generation is prepared.

Federal cuts worsen crisis

Federal health spending is being slashed and programs supporting research, access for low-income families, and public health infrastructure are being dismantled, forcing hospitals and community health centers to close.

Loan caps block future doctors

Changes to federal student lending beginning July 2026 will cap medical student loans at $50,000 annually, despite medical education costing over $286,000 at public institutions and approaching $390,000 at private schools.

Support needed to rebuild

The next generation of health care professionals must receive financial, professional, and community support to complete training and serve communities that need them most.