In the United States, three in 10 people report having difficulty accessing primary care. A shortfall of more than 13,000 U.S. primary care clinicians today is expected to worsen in years ahead, with the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting it could grow to as much as 4o,400 by 2036. A shortage in clinicians can lead to poorer health outcomes for patients who lack access to primary care, higher costs, more redundant medical care and more burnout for doctors remaining in the field.

The Keck School of Medicine of USC Department of Family Medicine is tackling the primary care shortage on multiple fronts. The department’s efforts form an expansive pipeline to the primary care workforce that includes K–12 outreach visits and mentoring for high schoolers and undergraduates through initiatives such as the PA Pathways Program.

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