650. The Doctor Won’t See You Now

In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Rochelle Walensky, former director of the CDC, about the looming healthcare workforce crisis in the U.S. The discussion covers factors contributing to the physician shortage, including the aging population, geographic maldistribution, and limitations in medical school slots and residency programs. Walensky and Dubner also discuss the historical context of the Flexner Report and its unintended consequences, the rising costs of medical education, physician burnout, and potential solutions such as increasing incentives for practicing in rural areas and focusing on preventative care. The episode incorporates insights from listener feedback and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing the American healthcare system.