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Governor Reynolds just spoke over 5,000 words on the "state of the state" and managed to never mention Iowa's incredible shrinking workforce of physicians, registered nurses and direct care workers.
It was a stark reminder of policy makers' and stakeholders' feeble past attempts to address these undeniable shortages. Just two examples:
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Mandating that at least 80 percent of Carver medical school admissions are Iowa residents. Best-case outcome: five more practicing physicians each year, starting seven years from now.
- Or applying for $150 million in federal funds to expand residency programs, which may net Iowa 42 more doctors a year—but for only four years and at a price of nearly $1 million per head.
Is it possible leadership doesn't understand the true extent of this crisis because they've purposefully never identified the target they claim to be aiming at?
In spite of how critical health care access is to economic stability, as well as our residents' well-being, no comprehensive and data-based projections of Iowa's healthcare workforce have ever been made. Until now.
I invite you to take a look at the January 15, 2026 Press Release announcing my healthcare workforce forecasts for 2030 and 2035. Once you see the likely depth and breadth of this crisis, you'll appreciate the shortsightedness of previous efforts to grow the supply of physicians. As for registered nurses and direct care workers? Fuhgeddaboutem. Same for dentists, mental health workers, techs, PAs, hospice providers, EMTs...
Please pass this on, share it with your legislators and join the conversation. It’s time for Iowa’s leaders—and wannabe leaders—to boldly advocate for care when, where and how Iowans need it. I know we can do better. And I believe we have the talent and resources to make healthcare what it should and must be: Safe and accessible for all Iowans. But make no mistake, tick tock.
PRESS RELEASE: "Iowa’s Healthcare Workforce in Crisis:
Projections for Physicians, Registered Nurses and Direct Care Workers"
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