Some health systems are requiring physicians 70 and older to undergo comprehensive cognitive evaluations. Many physicians choose to retire instead, The New York Times reported Jan. 31.
The physician workforce has faced an aging problem for decades. In 2005, more than 11% of physicians were 65 or older. That number rose to 22.4% in 2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. At older ages, reaction times slow, knowledge can become outdated and some can experience cognitive decline. However, systems do not want to push experienced physicians out of patient care.
To address cognitive concerns, some systems have created late-career practitioner programs that mandate physicians 70 and older to be screened for cognitive and physical defects. Screenings are required before their privileges and credentials are renewed on a yearly or two-year basis. Depending on the results, physicians may see a change in job responsibilities or how they practice.
It is estimated there are as many as 200 late-career practitioner programs across the country, including at large systems such as Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Health, Stanford (Calif.) Health Care, Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine and Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare, the Times reported.
A study at Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital found that among 141 clinicians screened, 12.7% had cognitive deficits that would impair their ability to practice medicine independently.
Proponents of the screenings say the programs could prevent patient harm and allow physicians to take on less demanding assignments or more easily transition to teaching, mentoring and consulting. However, many physicians choose to retire rather than undergo evaluation.
The legality of these screening programs are now in question. In 2020, a federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Yale New Haven over its testing, alleging age and disability discrimination. The lawsuit has had a chilling effect on similar screening programs at some hospitals. Others continue on waiting to see what happens in federal court. Currently, most medical associations recommend screenings be voluntary, the Times reported.
