The Honorable Joanne Osborne of the Arizona House of Representatives recently shared that Arizona ranks 42nd in the country for active primary care physicians, with only 77.9 physicians per 100,000 population. At this rate, the state only meets just 44% of our primary physician needs, according to estimates. The doctor shortage extends nationally too, with the United States expected to be facing a shortage of up to 139,000 doctors in just over a decade.
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Because Arizona — and especially Maricopa County — has an abnormally low number of medical schools for its growing population, the state lacks homegrown talent, so instead is attracting and recruiting physicians from across the country. While lawmakers are working to combat this doctor shortage by planning to build and fund more medical schools, expanding existing programs and adding residency positions, it’s likely we will continue to see many doctors moving to Arizona to help meet the growing demand for physicians.
I have experienced this first-hand as a physician who moved to Arizona from the Philadelphia area in 2003. This, coupled with my work as a real estate agent, has allowed me to understand the unique needs of medical professionals coming to the state.
Residential needs can be addressed by an agent that knows what doctors need in a home — especially now with the increase in telemedicine and the need for a proper well-equipped home office.
Other important considerations for incoming physicians include the need for prime home location near enough to reach emergency rooms, hospitals and the office for convenience and high-quality patient care, as well good schools for their children, privacy away from the office, and other unique requirements of doctors and their families.
Knowing what type of office space a physician needs is also critical. I work in partnership with commercial agents in my office to find appropriate office spaces to meet individual doctor’s needs while considering key factors like the size and number of treatment rooms, waiting room area, ADA requirements, and space needed for large equipment. I also work closely with lenders that specialize in physician and dental loans.
Dr. Bruce Levin is a physician and RE/MAX Fine Properties agent. Hospital Recruiting Departments, incoming out-of-state physicians, or even doctors in Arizona looking to expand, relocate or move into a better home location are encouraged to contact Dr. Levin at the RE/MAX Fine Properties at 602-614-2767 or blevin@fineprop.com.
