ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Recruiting more doctors and building more infrastructure for healthcare professionals to work in are just some of the pressing needs healthcare leaders in New Mexico talked to lawmakers about this week. "New Mexico like every state is challenged with having enough healthcare workforce," said Dr. Mike Richards, SVP of Clinical Affairs of UNM Health Sciences. Story continues below Crime: ‘They are the drivers of crime in our community’: BCSO speaks on teen crime News: How to report illegal fireworks in New Mexico? Entertainment: LIST: July 4 firework displays happening in New Mexico Community: Moving Arts Española looking for new location after lease won’t be renewed Healthcare leaders in the state laid out for the legislative Health and Human Services Committee this week, how to fix the problems with New Mexico's healthcare systems. University of New Mexico Hospital leaders noted the workforce need is increasing because of a slight decline in birth rates and the state's aging population, which demands more healthcare services. "So, even if the population numbers stay the same, the overall demand needs for healthcare can go up," Dr. Mike Richard. The data also shows the average age of a physician is 53 years old. "If you have an older healthcare workforce, which we do in New Mexico, that means you're going to have a greater need in the future as those healthcare professionals retire," he said. UNM Health and Sciences told lawmakers the state's rural landscape also makes it hard to recruit workers and create more access to healthcare. They talked to lawmakers about recruiting strategies like having enhanced loan repayments and competitive salaries. Both UNMH and Presbyterian Healthcare Systems said they'd like to see more pipeline programs to get younger students interested in STEM and even medical careers earlier. UNMH said if things don't change, projections show by 2034 the state could be down 1,300 doctors and more than 5,000 nurses. Presbyterian said they're anticipating a need for even more staff for a 108-bed expansion at its campus. UNM Health Sciences is also in the midst of an expansion. "For example, as we complete our UNM hospital new tower, we're going to need many more providers. thousands," said Dr. Douglas Ziedonis, EVP Health Sciences and CEO UNM Health. Healthcare leaders said more expansions like these are also needed, especially in those rural parts of the state. "When we think about creating access to healthcare, it's not just about the people but it's making sure that we have the healthcare infrastructure to recruit healthcare professionals into," said Dr. Richards. Presbyterian and UNM Health Sciences also shared their efforts to retain their staff which included offering work-life balance, competitive salaries, and opportunities to advance.