Idaho and Utah among nation’s best for doctors

LOGAN – According to a recent study by personal finance website WalletHub, Utah and Idaho have been ranked among the best states for doctors in the United States.

Idaho was ranked third overall for doctors while Utah was ranked as the seventh-best state for doctors. The study evaluated several factors, including the average annual wage of physicians, the number of hospitals per capita, and the quality of public hospitals. Utah scored high in all categories, with a strong focus on healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

Idaho ranked as the fifth least expensive state for Annual Malpractice Liability Insurance and overall Medical Environment. The Gem State also ranked seventh overall when it comes to Opportunity and Competition. Utah was the top state in Medical Environment for doctors, but ranked 41st in Opportunity and Competition. The Beehive State also ranked eighth in Projected Physicians per Capita by 2030, eighth in Punitiveness of State Medical Board, 11th in Malpractice Award Payout Amount per Capita, and 23rd in Annual Malpractice Liability Insurance Rate.

The study’s findings reflect the broader trends in the healthcare industry, where some states offer better opportunities and working conditions for doctors than others. Doctors are among the highest-paid and most educated professionals in the country, with general physicians having a median salary equal to or greater than $208,000 per year. However, doctors don’t start out wealthy. The average medical-school debt is around $202,000.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering various factors when evaluating job opportunities in the healthcare industry. While some states may offer higher wages or better working conditions, other factors such as patient outcomes and access to healthcare can also play a significant role in determining job satisfaction for doctors.

The study analyzed data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key dimensions: “Opportunity & Competition” and “Medical Environment.” These dimensions were further broken down into 18 metrics, including factors such as average annual wage of physicians, hospitals per capita, malpractice award payouts per capita, and insured population rate.