Key Takeaways:

• Doctor union membership rose from 5.7% in 2014 to about 8% in 2024.
• Residents and interns show the strongest interest in joining a doctor union.
• High student debt, unpaid administrative work, and burnout drive union growth.
• Corporate employment and threats from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and AI push doctors toward collective action.
• Recent strikes in Portland and Minnesota highlight doctors’ willingness to negotiate better pay and conditions.

History of the doctor union

Unions for health workers began more than a century ago. Nurses first organized in 1896. The first doctor union formed in 1934. Back then, hospital residents worked long hours for low pay. They wanted fairer shifts and better wages. Over the next eighty years, growth stayed slow.

However, in recent years, union membership among doctors jumped. From 2014 to 2019, it climbed from 5.7% to 7.2%. By 2024, about 8% of physicians joined a doctor union. This rise comes while overall U.S. union rates fell by half since 1983.

Residents and interns lead the charge. Nearly two in three have said they might join a doctor union. A major group, the Committee of Interns and Residents, grew from 32,500 members in 2024 to over 40,000 by September 2025. Other unions like Doctors Council and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists add thousands more.

Why join a doctor union?

Many doctors earn high incomes. Yet their pay can vary by specialty. A pediatric surgeon might earn twice as much as a pediatrician. Plus, student debt can top $200,000. Some physicians cut personal spending, and 40% plan to delay retirement for money reasons.

Moreover, most doctors bill only for patient visits. They spend extra hours on records, phone calls, and education without pay. That lowers their effective hourly wage. A doctor union can bargain for pay that covers all work, not just face time in the clinic.

Also, before the 1980s, most doctors owned their practice. Today nearly 80% work for hospitals or clinics. As employees, they can legally unionize. They aim to negotiate fairer schedules, safer staffing, and better benefits.

Stress and Burnout at Work

Doctors feel high stress. A recent survey found over 50% report burnout in key specialties. Many feel undervalued by employers. Administrative and regulatory tasks rank as top stress sources. Electronic health records, though helpful, add to that burden.

For every hour with patients, doctors spend two more on records. Constant clicking and data entry can steal time from families and self-care. A doctor union often fights for protected time to update records or hire scribes.

Job Security Concerns

Health systems now hire more nurse practitioners and physician assistants. A 2023 study shows they handle one in four appointments. A decade ago, they saw only one in five. Paying these providers less than doctors saves money. That shift worries many physicians. They fear job cuts or shifts to lower-paid staff.

On top of that, artificial intelligence looms. AI tools may diagnose, prescribe, or even read imaging. While no one expects AI to replace all doctors, it could take over parts of their work. A doctor union offers a way to shape AI rules and protect roles.

Ethical Strikes and Patient Care

Doctors hesitate to strike because their work can be lifesaving. In April 2025, a major physician group urged safe and responsible bargaining. They noted no proof strikes raise patient death rates. A review of 17 studies found no significant harm during health worker strikes.

Still, some doctors worry that union rules add bureaucracy. They fear it could slow hiring or block individual talks with management. Yet many see union gains as worth the trade-off for fair contracts and safer workplaces.

Recent Strikes Signal Change

Strikes by doctors have been rare in the U.S., but that is changing. In January 2025, 70 hospital doctors in Portland joined nurses in a 27-day strike. They won higher pay, more sick leave, and new staffing rules. Some elective surgeries delayed, and ER wait times rose. Yet patients still received care at other sites.

Then in June 2025, doctors in Minnesota picketed for the first time in state history. More than 18 months of talks with Allina Health failed. These doctors sought better pay, smaller patient loads, and extra support staff. They have authorized a strike if talks stall.

Looking Ahead

With rising debt, long hours, and new workplace threats, more physicians may turn to a doctor union. They see collective action as a way to balance heavy workloads and protect quality care. However, unions must keep patient safety central. If unions and hospitals work together, they can build a healthier system for both doctors and patients.

FAQs

What is a doctor union?

A doctor union is a group of physicians who join together to negotiate pay, benefits, and working conditions. It uses collective bargaining to give doctors a stronger voice at work.

Why are doctors joining unions now?

Doctors face high student debt, unpaid administrative work, and burnout. Many also work for big health systems. A union helps them demand fair wages, safer schedules, and support staff.

Can striking doctors harm patients?

Studies show no clear rise in death rates during health worker strikes. Unions and hospitals plan carefully to keep emergency care running. Nevertheless, strikes can delay elective procedures and increase wait times.

How can a doctor union improve work life?

A union can win better pay for all hours worked. It can fight for more paid time off for records, hire extra staff, and set safe patient loads. In turn, many doctors find less stress and more time for patients.