The Inlightened network has grown to 500,000+ experts across clinicians, industry executives, payers and policy experts, scientists and engineers; and includes some of the world’s top names in healthcare. Having such a wealth of expertise at our fingertips is an honor and a privilege. 

Recently we started to think about how we could leverage that vast knowledge to have discussions around healthcare, as well as uncover trends, challenges and insights – straight from those on the frontlines of today’s most critical and important issues. Today we’re excited to reveal the results of our first “Inlightened Insights Poll,” examining what matters most to America’s doctors. 

This first survey was conducted right before the election, so we’re curious to know if or how any of the responses would change now that we know the outcome. (Stay tuned for some insight around that shortly.)

The survey revealed that top concerns amongst America’s doctors today include climate change, healthcare affordability, the provider shortage, obesity and the drug development/approval process. Specific findings include:

• 22% of respondents said climate change, healthcare affordability and the provider shortage when asked if they could choose one issue on which they’d like the presidential candidates to focus
• 44% of respondents said shortage of providers when asked what has them most concerned for America’s near-term future as it relates to the population’s health outcomes 
• 53% said they think Kamala Harris will be better for healthcare; 27% said Donald Trump will be better; and 20% said they will have the same impact 
• 67% said reforming the drug development/approval process is critical for the future of healthcare innovation 
• 28% think that a prevention/cure for obesity would have an outsized positive impact on Americans’ health outcomes   
• 73% are considering stepping away from practicing medicine 
• Of those considering stepping away, 63% feel they can do more good in another area, such as developing technology to improve patient outcomes or healthcare delivery 

While not necessarily surprising to us, the fact that nearly 3 out of 4 of America’s doctors are considering stepping away should be a loud wake-up call. We cannot fix a broken system with a dwindling workforce. 

Despite some of these results, we’re extremely optimistic about the innovation across healthcare – much of it led by our experts – but it remains abundantly clear that systemic reform is needed to ensure a more stable, hopeful future for the industry. We look forward to being a positive part of it.