Healthcare workers have gone through the wringer this past 14 months.
Yet, despite the barrage of COVID patients, worries about their own health (mental and physical), and resources being stretched thin, medical professionals continue to put their best foot forward. Undoubtedly, after this past year-plus, the medical workforce deserves to be heralded as the heroes they are.
Unfortunately, while these workers’ passion and dedication can’t be denied, there’s no denying the toll the pandemic has taken on these brave individuals.
According to a report from CNBC, “nearly 60% of nurses and 20% of physicians say they’re looking to call it quits due to COVID stress.”
And how can we blame them?
Fortunately, this damage doesn’t appear to be permanent. The same CNBC report projecting the drop in current healthcare employees also claims enlistment in medical schools is rising.
Read below as this blog breaks down these projections and what they might mean for the future of the medical workforce.
Medical Students Are Being Inspired by the Pandemic
It’s no coincidence that the sudden surge in medical students is aligned with the pandemic. After all, the future generation now has first-hand knowledge of how vital this type of work is.
The following numbers speak to the above notion (these numbers are all from the previously cited CNBC report):
- Compared to the same time last year, there’s been a 35% increase in applications for admission at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans for the class of 2025.
- Boston University’s School of Medicine has jumped 26% in applications over that same span.
- There’s been a 27% of applicants increase at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
When There’s Instability in the Job Market, Medical School Applications Increase
As much as the pandemic has inspired the young minds of tomorrow to become healers, there’s a more brass-tax, bottom-line element to this trend.
Namely, with the pandemic came an influx in the job market. COVID-19 has sent the world as we know it into a whirlwind, and people aren’t sure where lucrative career opportunities will be available.
Whether during a pandemic or when the world has a clean bill of health, healthcare jobs will remain in demand. Nurses, doctors, and others who work in healthcare will always be a pivotal part of society, permanently staying relevant and valued.
A Streamlined, More Affordable Application Process
CNBC’s report also points out that the pandemic has reduced the cost of the medical school application process. The virtual interviews these institutions began using cut down significantly on travel expenses for applicants.
Furthermore, MCAT requirements have been waived by some schools, while others have extended application deadlines.
These changes might be around to stay, as the technologies being used (including AI algorithms) give applicants quicker decisions, making the process less daunting.
Even more impactful is how these new approaches are eliminating human bias from the equation. Meaning different types of people are receiving opportunities.
To the above point, according to an AAMC report from October 2020, more Black and Latino individuals were applying to U.S. medical schools than during the same time last year. In fact, the year-over-year increase was in the double digits in certain instances.
Healthcare Recruiters International (HCRI)
Is your healthcare organization ready to leverage this surge of new talent motivated to make a difference?
An influx of young workers means it may be challenging to find the diamonds in the rough. You’ll want to cut through the fat and access the top available healthcare candidates, which you’ll find at HCRI. We keep our ears to the ground to find and recruit impactful medical talent. Contact us today and find out what we can do for you.