With a new administration stepping into power, the American healthcare community is caught between conflicting emotions—hope, anxiety, and an unshakable commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient care. While Americans in all sectors contemplate the impact of upcoming policy changes, for healthcare providers, this isn’t just political—it’s personal. Policy decisions shape their ability to deliver care, protect access, and uphold their mission to serve patients.
So, how are healthcare professionals responding? Shapiro+Raj set out to capture the voices that matter most. Our research with physicians across various specialties provides insight into how providers are reacting to and preparing for the new administration’s impact on healthcare.
These insights don’t just reflect the challenges ahead; they equip pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations with the strategic knowledge needed to align with provider priorities and deliver meaningful solutions in this transformative time.
A Community Divided
The research uncovers a pronounced split in provider perspectives that mirrors broader societal divisions. Only 30% of providers express optimism or enthusiasm about the incoming administration, while 44% report feelings of anxiety, sadness, or fear. 26% of providers occupy an ambivalent middle ground, reflecting widespread uncertainty about healthcare’s future direction.
This division becomes even more stark when viewed through the lens of political affiliation. Among liberal providers, 78% express deep pessimism about the incoming administration’s healthcare approach. Conservative providers present a markedly different outlook, with 33% maintaining strong optimism about the future.
These contrasting perspectives emerge vividly in providers’ own words. A medical oncologist represents the cautiously optimistic view:
“I think the knee-jerk reaction is that Trump = bad. And that may end up being the case. But I am holding out hope that disruptors in his administration will fight for changes in healthcare policy and pharma/insurance profiteering.”
In sharp contrast, a neurologist voices grave concern:
“Public policy is being made by people with zero scientific training. Current GOP being held hostage by morons on the internet.”
Policy Expectations Split Along Ideological Lines
This clash of perspectives is as human as it is political, reflecting how personal convictions shape professional outlooks. Providers’ political leanings strongly influence their policy expectations. Conservative providers anticipate positive changes in regulatory burden and market efficiency. Their liberal counterparts consistently express concern about vulnerable populations and healthcare access. Worry about access transcends political divisions, with 48% of all providers expecting negative effects on patient access to treatments and services.
Unity in Patient Care
Amid the division lies a powerful unifier: a steadfast commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient care. A commanding 67% of providers assert that the administration will not significantly impact their treatment decisions. As one provider emphasizes,
“My decisions are made medically, not related to anything else including policy.”
This dedication to evidence-based practice bridges political divides, even as providers prepare for potential challenges. While 49% anticipate changes in Medicaid/Medicare funding and 47% worry about insurance reimbursement management, most maintain that these challenges won’t alter their fundamental approach to patient care.
Implications for Pharmaceutical Companies
Here’s where it gets critical for pharma leaders: While treatment decisions may stay rooted in medical evidence, access is a different story. Nearly half of HCPs foresee negative impacts on patient access to care, especially for underserved populations, Medicaid patients, and those requiring specialty medications.
Pharmaceutical companies must rethink their strategies, doubling down on market access initiatives and patient support programs. In this politically charged environment, being part of the solution isn’t just good business, it’s essential.
Looking Forward
This moment is as much about division as it is about resilience. Despite polarized perspectives, the healthcare community remains united in its dedication to patient care. For stakeholders—from pharma to payers—the challenge lies in embracing this complexity, addressing concerns on both sides, and aligning with providers’ shared purpose.
Success will require more than just understanding the data—it will demand empathy, agility, and innovative thinking to navigate this moment of profound uncertainty.
Stay tuned for the next installment in our series: Healthcare’s Perfect Storm: How Reimbursement Changes Could Reshape Medical Practices in 2025
At Shapiro+Raj, we’re passionate about helping our clients navigate the complex landscape of drug development and commercialization. Our team of social scientists, strategists, and analysts, combine deep therapeutic knowledge with future forward methodologies to deliver actionable insights that drive success.
Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website www.shapiroraj.com to start a conversation about how we can shape the future, together.