Nearly 170 new doctors join Austin's healthcare workforce, addressing physician shortage

More physicians are joining Austin's health care workforce.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — More physicians are joining Austin's healthcare workforce.

The University of Texas' Dell Medical School announced the results of match day, which is when fourth-year medical students find out where they will spend the next part of their medical training as resident physicians.

In a release by Dell Med, it said a total of 168 incoming physicians will continue their training in residency and fellowship programs sponsored in partnership by Dell Med and Ascension Seton.

"These trainees will join existing residents and fellows in providing essential healthcare services to patients in and around Austin," the release said.

Addressing an ongoing shortage

Dell Med said this new group will join current residents and fellows who, "in the last academic year, provided more than 575,000 hours of care to patients — many of whom are part of historically underserved communities — at more than 60 hospitals and clinics across Austin and Central Texas. "

According to a Texas Department of Health and Human Services report, there's an ongoing shortage of primary care physicians.

The report said the state's graduate medical education system will not create a supply of physicians that can meet the expected demand.

"The shortage of all physicians statewide is projected to increase from 6,218 full-time
equivalents (FTE) in 2018 to 10,330 FTEs in 2032," the report said.

Dell Med's release said 18 students from the class of 2024 are joining primary care specialties like family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

"Data shows that residents tend to stay and practice where they train," the release said. "Of Dell Med’s Class of 2024, 42% matched with residency programs in Texas, with 27% matching at Dell Med."

KXAN's Sarah Al-Shaikh will have more on this story. You can watch on KXAN News at 5 p.m.