(056) WHAT IS PUSHING PHYSICIANS OUT AND THE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Abstract Introduction Women’s sexual health is integral to overall health and well-being, encompassing reproductive planning, contraception, sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections, menopause management, and preventative care. Neglect in this area has deeper implications, including increased rates of unintended pregnancies, dangerous abortion procedures (secondary to decreased options of treatment), untreated infections, higher maternal mortality, worsened mental health outcomes, and diminished quality of life. The U.S. is facing a severe physician shortage, including an estimated shortfall of 6000 OB/GYNs by 2030. In Florida, the crisis shows a projected deficit of around 500 OB/GYNs by 2035. This is compounded by factors driving physicians out, such as burnout, declining reimbursement rates, increasing administrative and technological burdens (the most important factor for physicians’ retirement and OB/GYN and Labor and Delivery department closures) creating significant barriers to care that women need. The chronic lack of sexual education in medical schools and residency programs-including OB/GYN, Urology, and Psychiatry-makes the preservation of sexual health challenging. Objective This study examines the impact of OB/GYN shortages on women’s sexual health, identifies factors pushing physicians out, and highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Methods A review of national and state-level data was conducted, from reports by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the Florida Medical Association (FMA). The data analyzed include OB/GYN distribution, department closures, workforce trends, insurance reimbursement rates, and patient outcomes related to women’s sexual and reproductive health. Results 1. Barriers to Care: In Florida, 91% of rural hospitals lack OB/GYN services, and Miami-Dade County has seen four maternity wards close since 2021, forcing women to travel farther for care or forgo it entirely. 2. Physician Outflow: High levels of burnout, low reimbursement rates (particularly Medicaid which has been progressively decreasing for the last 25 years), and administrative and technological burdens are driving physicians out of practice. Nearly 40% of OB/GYNs in Miami-Dade are over 55, and upcoming retirements threaten to deepen the shortage. 3. Delays in Treatment: Long wait times for OB/GYN appointments lead to delayed care for critical conditions, such as STIs, contraceptive management, sexual dysfunction, etc. 4. Healthcare Disparities: Low-income and minority communities in Miami-Dade face disproportionate access to sexual health services, worsening inequities in health outcomes. 5. Compromised Care: Rising cesarean section rates (now over 40% in Miami-Dade), inadequate contraceptive counseling (with consequent increase in unplanned pregnancies), and reduced access to menopause management services are direct consequences of the OB/GYN shortage, undermining women’s autonomy and health. Conclusions OB/GYN shortages threaten to erode access to vital services. Systemic factors such as inadequate reimbursement, growing administrative workloads and technological advancements (increasing the numbers of extra unpaid hours to 22 hours/week), and insufficient support is pushing OB/GYNs out of practice and deterring new trainees. Solutions, including expanded residency programs, investment in telemedicine, and policy reforms to improve financial and logistic support are essential to advancing women’s sexual health. Disclosure No.