A physician shortage refers to a situation where the number of practicing doctors is insufficient to meet the healthcare needs of a population. This can result from various factors, including an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and a limited number of medical school graduates. The shortage can lead to longer wait times for patients and reduced access to care. Several regions, particularly rural areas, are more affected by physician shortages. Efforts to address this issue include increasing medical school enrollment, offering incentives for doctors to work in underserved areas, and expanding the roles of other healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.