Growing Trend of New York-Trained Doctors Choosing to Practice Locally, New Study Finds

Recent research indicates a positive shift in the retention of newly trained physicians within New York State. According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany, over half (52%) of recent medical graduates with confirmed practice intentions plan to remain in New York, reflecting a steady increase from 45% in 2015. This trend suggests that more physicians are recognizing the long-term opportunities available in the state's healthcare environment.

The study draws on responses from the 2024 New York Resident Exit Survey, which included over 2,300 residents and fellows who completed their training within the state. Notably, residents with stronger regional ties, such as completing high school and medical school in New York, showed higher retention rates, with 76% choosing to stay and practice locally.

Specialty choice also plays a significant role in retention. Fields like adult psychiatry (77%), physical medicine and rehabilitation (75%), and family medicine (74%) see higher in-state retention, whereas specialties such as orthopedics (17%) and pulmonary disease (28%) tend to have lower retention, highlighting variability driven by career opportunities.

The primary reason physicians leave New York is to be closer to their families, with 32% citing this factor. Despite improvements, only a small proportion of new doctors (4%) intend to work in rural or underserved communities, emphasizing ongoing challenges in achieving equitable healthcare access across diverse regions.

The survey also assessed job market demand, identifying specialties with the strongest need for physicians, such as anesthesiology, hematology/oncology, and psychiatry. Conversely, demand is weaker in general surgery and emergency medicine. These insights underscore the importance of targeted workforce planning to address the varying needs across medical disciplines.

"While the increasing retention rate is promising, nearly half of new physicians still leave New York for better opportunities elsewhere," said David Armstrong, Project Director at the Center for Health Workforce Studies. "Continued efforts are essential to develop strategies that encourage physicians to serve in underserved areas and sustain a robust healthcare workforce in the state."

Overall, the data suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for New York’s physician workforce, highlighting advances in retention but also pointing to the need for ongoing policy and educational initiatives to enhance healthcare access and meet future demands. Source