A new state workforce report shows that California still faces a severe shortage of primary care physicians, years after experts first raised the alarm. Many regions—particularly rural areas and low-income communities—continue to struggle with too few providers, long wait times, and limited access to routine care.

The report highlights several obstacles behind the persistent shortages, including aging physicians nearing retirement, population growth, and limited training capacity. While the state has invested in residency programs and incentive initiatives, progress has been slow and uneven.

Health leaders say California must accelerate efforts to grow and retain the primary care workforce, or risk deeper gaps in preventive and chronic care services in the years ahead.