Overview

• Many outpatient practices in both states report persistent shortfalls of medical assistants, undermining daily operations.
• The number of MFA trainees has fallen steadily since 2021, widening the staffing gap in primary care settings.
• Relatively low salaries compared with other healthcare roles are driving medical assistants out of the profession.
• Hospitals and alternative healthcare providers are luring trained MFAs away from physician practices with more attractive conditions.
• Regional medical associations are calling for expanded training slots and improved practice financing to support competitive pay.