The news: Almost 6 in 10 physicians (58%) are skeptical that the US physician shortage will improve significantly in the next decade, per a Medscape report last week.

• 42% are “unconfident,” while 16% are “very unconfident” that the situation will improve.

Meanwhile, 69% report their healthcare organizations are currently trying to hire full- or part-time physicians. Medscape surveyed 1,001 US physicians in March and April to gauge the ongoing effects of the national shortage.

Digging into the details: The majority of respondents agree there aren’t enough qualified candidates across healthcare job openings.

• 63% cite a shortage of qualified applicants for physician openings.
• 56% point to a shortage of quality applicants for support staff.
• And 52% say there are not enough qualified nurses and physician assistants.

Yes, and: About 4 in 10 physicians say their work life is affected by unfilled positions via higher patient loads, busier schedules, or longer working hours.