Thursday, August 22, 2019

The International Medical Students And Young Physician Program

By Christine Thomas


While there are currently physicians and specialists working in rural areas, towns and cities, there is still a major shortage of primary care doctors and others in the United States. In fact, according to experts in the field of demographics, it is likely the country will need up to 120,000 additional specialists, general practitioners and others by the year 2030. In response, the international medical students and young physician program has now been set up in the United States.

It is also hoped that a number of medical school graduates will focus on primary care and general practice. For, most residence programs now focus on specialized areas. As a result, there are a number of primary care and general practitioner vacancies in these areas at clinics and hospitals around the country.

The shortage also exists due to the limited number of positions available at residency programs all across the country. For, while there are many residents registered in specialty programs, those opting to work in general practice are few and far between. At the same time, more people are now insured and seeking out medical attention than ever before in history. As a result, there will be a need for more doctors and specialists in the coming years.

The senior population is forecast to grow above fifty percent over the next 12 years. Whereas, the under 18 population is only forecast to grow by 3 percent during that same timeframe. As such, the fact that older people often utilize health care at increased rates compared to younger individuals will also add to the dilemma in the future.

The health crisis is one that appears to be most prevalent in rural areas. In fact, many areas such as Eureka, California have a hard time keeping physicians beyond an Emergency Room Residency program. For, these areas are so limited and rural that many whom enroll in such programs leave upon completion of the required hours.

Medical students whether still in school or beginning a residency are also adding to the issue by refusing to work as a general practitioner or primary care physician whether as part of, or during a residency at clinics and hospitals nationwide. For, in many cases, these individuals experience higher volumes of clients and lower pay scales than in other areas.

A number of medical schools in America train physicians at local University hospitals focusing on a specific area. As a result, doctors working at these locations are often taught more about specialized practices rather than primary care. In addition, most feel that if primary care physicians are a necessity, there should be a special program focused on that area.

Once having arrived in the United States from participating schools of medicine, these young residents will work in rural areas as primary care physicians. For, another contributing factor to the shortage is the distribution of physicians to these areas. After which, it is hoped that the shortage will begin to shrink and more students will become interested in these areas in the future.




About the Author:



No comments:

Popular Posts