The U.S. healthcare workforce is facing a growing shortage of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Demand is rising as the population ages, while retirements, burnout, and training limits reduce supply. Without stronger policies and innovations, access to care will become increasingly difficult, especially in rural and underserved communities.
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Workforce
Going Upstream: A Systems Approach to Solving the STEMM Talent Problem
The United States faces a critical shortage of STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) professionals. While demand is rising nearly three times faster than other fields, millions of jobs risk going unfilled due to systemic barriers and skills gaps. To solve this challenge, we must take an “upstream” approach—tackling root causes early by raising awareness, improving access, supporting achievement, assessing what works, and building alliances. Only through a systems-based strategy can we close the STEMM talent gap and strengthen both innovation and national security.
