Physicians on Hawaii have been expecting a shortage of medical professionals for a while now, and as the state's aging population continues to grow, there are not enough physicians to provide care, according to Khon 2.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Physicians note Hawaii is not training or recruiting enough physicians to leave the mainland. Research shows the state is short 700 physicians, 282 of which are primary care physicians.
2. Some adults are now being forced to visit their pediatrician due to the backlog primary care physicians face.
3. Orthopedic surgeons are among the most needed professionals in the state. Additionally, Hawaii is in need of infectious disease, critical care and pulmonary surgeons.
4. Patients are often transferred from island to island in order to see a physician when care is critical
5. To combat the shortage, some of the smaller islands are adding more training facilities for medical students.