Physician Workforce Disparities and Patient Care: A Narrative Review

This review explores whether physicians within four subpopulations—women, racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities—are at elevated risk for challenges that undermine the profession. The review aims to determine if these challenges, such as inequities, burnout, and mental health issues, affect patient care and how they might be addressed. The study looks at the relationship between diversity-related workforce disparities and patient care, seeking to inform future research, policy, and practice.

• 1
  Physician workforce disparities potentially impact physicians from underrepresented groups and, in turn, affect patient care.
• 2
  Women physicians are more likely to care for women and patients with complex psychosocial issues, providing more preventive care and counseling.
• 3
  URM physicians are more likely to practice primary care and care for minority and vulnerable patients, including those from communities with lower socioeconomic status.