Pathology manpower needs in the United States.

By means of a set of questionnaires, the Joint ASCP/CAP Task Force on Manpower survey of fact and opinion regarding manpower problems and needs of pathology in the United States was completed. The response from pathologists approached 75%. From this survey, there appears to emerge an accurate picture of the number of pathologists in solo or group practice in the United States in terms of board certification and age group; so that over a five-year period, there will be a net addition of approximately 1,800 pathologists from 500--700 residents completing their training annually. This survey showed a demand of 22% of pathology practices seeking to fill funded positions with a projected need within the next five years of approximately 2,700 to meet primarily expanded patient loads. The number of pathologists in the graduate medical education "pipeline" revealed 2,153 residents with about 76% of the residency positions filled. A match of approximately 2,153 residents entering pathology practice against 2,160 vacancies anticipated in the next four years was identified. However, it is likely that there will continue to be a modest deficit of pathologists five years from now in view of the possibility that not all will enter practice. In conclusion, the demand for pathologists and supply from residency programs seem to match well in numbers so that supply and demand for pathology manpower are in approximate balance.