Addressing The Healthcare Workforce Shortage

By Sen. Wlnsvey Campos (OR)

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Our country is currently facing a healthcare workforce shortage, a crisis that has severe consequences for patient care, hospital systems, and public health. While this issue impacts all Americans, members of the Hispanic communities are more vulnerable because they already experience significant barriers to healthcare access.

These barriers and challenges are only worsened by the lack of Hispanic representation among healthcare professionals. Addressing this issue is critical for ensuring health equity and strengthening the healthcare system overall.

The Current Landscape

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics make up around 19.5% of the US population, yet they are very underrepresented in the healthcare workforce: about 5.8% of active physicians in 2019 identified as Hispanic, and the number is low in nursing and other healthcare professions as well per the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Aside from the underrepresentation of Hispanics in the healthcare workforce, the overall shortage is worsening due to an aging population, burnout among healthcare workers, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed many healthcare workers to leave the field due to extreme stress and exhaustion, while older professionals retired earlier than expected.

Barriers to Healthcare Access in Hispanic Communities

Several structural and systemic factors contribute to the healthcare access challenges faced by Hispanic communities. For example, Hispanic patients may prefer or require Spanish-speaking healthcare providers, yet the shortage of bilingual professionals leaves gaps in care. Studies show that patients who cannot communicate effectively with their doctors are less likely to adhere to treatment plans, leading to poorer health outcomes.

Additionally, a significant portion of the Hispanic workforce is employed in industries that do not offer health insurance benefits, making healthcare unaffordable for many individuals and families. Without employer-sponsored insurance, many are forced to rely on cost-prohibitive out-of-pocket expenses or complicated public assistance programs that may not meet their needs.

And undocumented people face unique challenges, as fear of immigration-related repercussions in some cases discourages them from seeking medical attention, even when they qualify for certain public benefits.

For example, programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for low-income people and children, including some non-citizens under specific conditions. However, many immigrants avoid enrolling due to concerns about the “public charge rule”, a policy that historically made it more difficult for individuals to obtain legal permanent residency if they were deemed likely to rely on public assistance. Although recent changes to the rule clarified that Medicaid and CHIP do not count against applicants in immigration proceedings, misinformation and fear discourage many eligible families from applying. Also, some states impose waiting periods for lawfully present immigrants to access Medicaid and CHIP, creating further barriers to enrollment.

In addition to these financial barriers, many Hispanic populations are concentrated in rural and underserved urban areas, where healthcare facilities are limited or nonexistent. This geographic disparity makes it difficult for people to access routine and specialized medical care, resulting in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment options.

Initiatives to Bridge the Gap

Several initiatives are underway to recruit and retain Hispanic healthcare professionals, aiming to build a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves. Programs such as the Latino Center for Medical Education and Research in California focus on encouraging middle and high school students from underrepresented communities to pursue medical careers. Similar efforts across the country provide mentorship, scholarships, and academic support to Hispanic students interested in healthcare fields. Another great initiative is “Welcome Back Centers”. These assist internationally trained Hispanic health professionals in obtaining the necessary licensure to practice in the U.S. by streamlining the credentialing process, helping integrate skilled professionals into the workforce while addressing shortages.

Another widely used community health initiative is the Promotores de Salud model, implemented by various organizations to address health disparities in Hispanic communities. Promotores de Salud serve as trusted liaisons between healthcare systems and Hispanic populations, particularly in underserved areas. They provide culturally relevant health education, help individuals navigate complex healthcare systems, and connect patients with essential resources. By leveraging these community-based workers, this model improves health literacy and access to care while creating trust between healthcare providers and Hispanic communities.

Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that includes increasing Hispanic representation in the healthcare sector, improving educational and professional pathways, and implementing policies that remove barriers to care. By taking these steps, we can create a healthcare system that is more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all Americans.