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.

Other reasons for the nationwide shortage is that there are a limited number of positions available at hospitals with residency training programs. In addition, the amount of time it takes to train professionals is often not in line with health care utilization. For, there are currently more people obtaining health insurance than ever before in history, while baby boomers are now becoming enrolled in Medicare.

With this being the case, it is now forecast that over the coming 12 plus years, the 65 and over population will most likely grow by fifty percent. Whereas, estimates show the population under the age of eighteen will only grow by 3 percent during that same period. Considering the fact that older people utilize health care at increased rates compared to younger individuals and the number of physicians approaching retirement, the demand for additional health care providers will most likely continue to increase.

The crisis is greatest in rural, urban and underserved areas such as those with small community hospitals and clinics. In fact, a number of small cities and towns such as Arcata and McKinleyville, California have a hard time keeping doctors beyond the hours to complete a residency. Whereas, others refuse to take positions in these areas due to the cost of housing, or lack of services in the area.

Medical students who are adverse to working with a general practice in a clinic setting, only add to the issue. For, as pediatrics, family and internal medicine are now all considered a part of primary care, many of these areas are also experiencing shortages. Whereas, there are also a number of areas which are experiencing shortages in the OB/GYN area.

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.

In an effort to assist with the shortage, one of the most renown medical schools in the world, St. George's now supplies a number of primary care physicians to the United States. For, the school believes that by exposing students to more outpatient environments and community health centers, the students and the United States will benefit by overcoming what appears to be one of the biggest shortages of primary care and general practitioners in history.




About the Author:



Axact

Money Making

I am passionate about educating university students about money and careers, and have been doing so since 2007. I see the same confusion and mistakes being replicated every year. The way I help is through Save the Student. I'm always on the look out for new contributors, so get in touch if you're wanting to get involved! Aside from the site, my main interests are travelling, writing, photography, webdesign, sailing, football and cycling.

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