Executive Summary

The United States is facing a growing shortage of health care workers. This is occurring just as the demand for health care services is expected to increase.

• An aging population will increasingly strain the nation’s health care system in the next 10 to 20 years as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. The proportion of the U.S. population age 65 or older is projected to increase from about 12 percent in 2000 to almost 20 percent by 2030.

• Americans are living longer and requiring more medical care. The average 75-year-old has three chronic health problems and uses five prescription medications.

• Shortages of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals already exist and are expected to accelerate as the population ages.

Arkansas reflects the national trends. The work force trends may have a greater impact, though, since the state already has an older and unhealthier population.

• Arkansas already has one of the highest older populations in the country. By 2025, the state is projected to have the fifth highest percentage of residents age 65 or older in the nation.

• Arkansas has consistently ranked as one of the unhealthiest states – translating to increased need for health care. The state is ahead of the national average for obesity and the number of smokers. Arkansas is ahead of the national average for diabetes and high blood pressure.

• When researchers surveyed Arkansas hospitals in 2003, they found thousands of unfilled health care jobs. The situation is expected to worsen as baby boomer health professionals leave the work force.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), as the state’s only comprehensive health sciences center, is positioned best to address the health care work force shortages in Arkansas. UAMS has traditionally produced most of Arkansas’ doctors and many of its nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals.

To address the state’s health care work force needs, UAMS is:

• Expanding enrollment to produce more health care professionals

• Seeking to recruit additional faculty to support increased enrollment

• Expanding its facilities to accommodate the education of more students

• Taking steps to establish a satellite campus to further support expanding its enrollment

• Seeking funding to pay for the needed expansions