The primary care physician shortage in the United States is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed. However, from the perspective of undergraduate and medical students entering the field, these in-demand specialties are not presented as an appealing option in comparison to other specialties. The main deterrents for going into primary care are administrative tasks, burnout, and salary. To address the shortage and encourage a new generation of primary care physicians, these issues need to be urgently addressed or there will not be enough doctors in this field to serve the United States population.

Lillian Levy is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in public health from the University of California, Berkeley. She works with the Center for Lean Engagement and Research at UC Berkeley’s Department of Public Health studying the efficacy of Lean practices in healthcare settings.