Alabama's more than 8,700 patient care physicians fulfill a vital role in the state's economy by supporting 101,770 jobs and generating $16.7 billion in economic activity, according to a new report released by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the American Medical Association.

"Urban or rural, large group or solo practitioner, Alabama's physicians are major economic engines," Medical Association President Jerry Harrison, MD of Haleyville said. "While we are healers first, this study shows physicians help improve the health of our state as much as the health of our patients."

The report measured the economic impact of Alabama's physicians according to four key economic barometers:

• Jobs: Each physician supported an average of 11.7 jobs, including his/her own, and contributed to a total of 101,770 jobs statewide.
• Output: Each physician supported an average of $1.9 million in economic output and contributed to a total of $16.7 billion in economic output statewide.
• Wages and Benefits: Each physician supported an average of $839,103 in total wages and benefits and contributed to a total of $7.3 billion in wages and benefits statewide.
• Tax Revenues: Each physician supported $64,816 in local and state tax revenues and contributed to a total of $565.4 million in local and state tax revenues statewide.

The study also noted that in comparison to other industries, patient care physicians contribute as much or more to Alabama's economy than higher education, nursing and community care facilities, legal services and home health care.

View the full report and an interactive map of the United States here: www.physicianseconomicimpact.org