Portland–(Wednesday, April 16) Oregon’s 9,953 patient care physicians fulfill a vital role in the
state’s economy by supporting 105,434 jobs and generating $14.8 billion in economic activity,
according to a new report (www.theOMA.org/2014-oregon-economic-impact-study) released
today by the Oregon Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
“This report clearly shows that physicians support the health of Oregon’s economy through the
creation of jobs with their related wages and benefits, the purchase of goods and services which
generates revenues for other industries, and support of state and local tax revenue,” said OMA
President-Elect Sylvia Emory, MD, who also serves the OMA as an Alternate Trustee to the
AMA.
“Physicians carry tremendous responsibility as skilled healers charged with safeguarding healthy
communities, but their positive impact isn’t confined to the exam room,” said AMA President
Ardis Dee Hoven, MD. “The new study illustrates that physicians are strong economic drivers
that are woven into their local communities by the economic growth, opportunity and prosperity
they generate.”
The report notes that given the changing health care environment, it is paramount to quantify the
economic impact physicians have on society. To provide lawmakers, regulators and
policymakers with reliable information, the report measured the economic impact of Oregon
physicians according to four key economic barometers. The overall findings in the state of
Oregon include:
Jobs: Each physician supported an average of 10.6 jobs and contributed to a total of
105,434 jobs statewide.
Output: Each physician supported an average of approximately $1.5 million in economic
output and contributed to a total of $14.8 billion in economic output statewide.
Wages and Benefits: Each physician supported an average of $861,075 in total wages
and benefits and contributed to a total of $8.6 billion in wages and benefits statewide.
Tax Revenues: Each physician supported $67,862 in local and state tax revenues and
contributed to a total of $675.4 million in local and state tax revenues statewide.
The study found that, in comparison to other industries, patient care physicians contribute more
to the state economy than each of the following: higher education, home health care, legal
services, nursing and residential care.
