Are You Prepared For The Looming Health Practitioner Crisis?

Our health is everything to us. When we fall ill, our world slows or stops, concern sets in, and most people look to their health care provider for answers. But what if you were faced with a health issue, whether minor or serious, and were not able to see a doctor right away? What would you do? 

These are serious questions we all need to ask ourselves in the face of the looming healthcare crisis on the horizon that could soon impact us and our families. Thankfully, there is much that we can do to prepare ourselves for such a crisis. 

Healthcare is one of the most important industries in the world, and health practitioners are at the forefront of providing crucial medical care to patients. However, the healthcare industry is facing a crisis with a shortage of health practitioners, which could have serious implications in our near future. In this blog, we will explore the coming health practitioner crisis, its potential causes and impacts on society, and explore what each of us can do to prepare and equip ourselves with tools for resilience and self reliance.

The coming health practitioner crisis refers to the projected shortage of health practitioners in the near future around the world. We’re already starting to see this issue unfolding, but many medical sources are forecasting a more severe impact over the next couple of years. This crisis is expected to occur due to various factors, such as a growing aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a lack of healthcare professionals to meet the demand for healthcare services. 

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States is projected to experience a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. This shortage could result in much longer wait times for patients, reduced access to care, and lower quality of care. 

Similarly, there is a projected shortage of nurses in the United States, with one study predicting that, in the next two years, there will be a shortage of up to 450,000 bedside nurses in the U.S.. This shortage could result in increased workload for nurses, decreased quality of care, and increased nurse burnout.

There are several potential causes at play. One of the main causes is an aging population. As people live longer, they require more healthcare services, which puts a strain on the healthcare industry in a growing population. Additionally, many healthcare professionals are also aging, and as they retire, there are not enough new healthcare professionals to replace them. 

Another cause is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer require ongoing medical care, which increases the demand for healthcare services. Learning about health and wellness, plant medicine, and self care practices are crucial more than ever to address this global concern. We’ll get more into that in detail in a moment. 

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the healthcare industry, with many healthcare professionals experiencing burnout or leaving the profession due to the pandemic's stress and workload.

The health practitioner crisis could have serious implications for people. Longer wait times for medical appointments and procedures could result in delayed treatment and potential worsening of health conditions. Reduced access to care could also result in people not seeking medical attention when needed, which could lead to further health complications.

Additionally, the shortage of healthcare professionals could result in increased workload for those remaining in the profession, leading to burnout and decreased quality of care. Patients could also face higher healthcare costs as the demand for healthcare services increases.

The coming crisis is a concern for many. As a result, people are increasingly turning to alternative and complementary medicines to address their healthcare needs. One such avenue is learning about plant medicine and natural home remedies. Many are also becoming more motivated to get more serious about their diet and exercise to prepare for the coming changes in healthcare. 

Our ancestors didn’t have the best access to healthcare, if any. Many of them knew basic home remedies, had knowledge of their local medicinal plants for first aid, colds and flu, and countless other acute and even chronic disorders, and many acted as their family’s doctor. 

By learning about plant medicine and self-care, individuals can take control of their own health and well-being, and gain confidence in their self-reliance. Additionally, many natural remedies can be easily prepared at home, making them a cost-effective alternative to conventional medicine. 

Natural remedies can be used to treat a wide range of health issues, including common colds, headaches, digestive problems, and skin irritations. Some popular examples of natural remedies include ginger for nausea, chamomile for anxiety, and lavender for insomnia. These remedies can be made into teas, tinctures, or balms, and can often be found at health food stores or online.

By learning about plant medicine and natural home remedies, you can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between your body and the natural world. By incorporating medicinal plants into your daily routines, you can support your overall health and well-being while reducing your reliance on traditional healthcare practitioners. Ultimately, taking control of your own healthcare can lead to a more empowered and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, this article is not intended to induce panic or fear in any way, it is to spread awareness and motivate preparedness. The coming health practitioner crisis is a serious issue that could have significant implications for people in the coming years, especially those who don’t start preparing now. By investing in yourself, in your aromatic medicine and herbal education, and by taking your health into your own hands, you’ll be able to be more self-reliant and have the confidence to help yourself or your family when they need it most. Searching out alternative medicine practitioners in the fields of aromatherapy, herbalism, naturopathy, Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, or chiropractic can also be of immense benefit, as these fields of medicine will likely not be effected by the practitioner crisis in the same way or timing.

Article Written by Evan Sylliaasen

© 2023 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are for educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.