How to hire primary care physicians in 2026: complete employer guide
The primary care physician shortage is accelerating as patient demand grows, the existing workforce ages toward retirement, and fewer medical graduates choose primary care over higher-paying specialties. With average time-to-fill stretching beyond 90 days and intense competition from concierge medicine, direct primary care, and private equity-backed platforms, hiring primary care physicians demands a sharper, more strategic approach than ever. This guide covers how to source primary care physicians, evaluate clinical breadth and value-based care readiness, understand 2026 compensation benchmarks, and build a retention strategy that keeps physicians from leaving.
