As of 2023, the number of practicing physicians in the US was estimated at approximately 905.9 thousand. The forecast shows a steady year-on-year increase, with the figures rising to 915.75 thousand in 2024, 925.63 thousand in 2025, 935.41 thousand in 2026, 945.1 thousand in 2027, and 954.69 thousand by 2028. This represents an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 1% over the five-year forecast period from 2024 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts from technological advancements in telemedicine and AI, changes in healthcare policy, and demographic shifts, such as an aging population, which may influence demand and distribution of physicians.