Renewed Interest In Primary Care Among Medical Students
The U.S. is in dire need of primary care physicians. If the current shortage of doctors continues, it is estimated that by the year 2020 the U.S. health care system will be 40,000 primary care doctors short. However, with the recent health care reform efforts that have taken place, there may be some sliver of hope. This year, family medicine residency programs attracted 1,317 students (133 more than in 2010), which contributed to a record 94% enrollment rate. Furthermore, an additional 100 slots were added nationwide in order to accommodate the increased demand. The reason? Provisions in recent health care reform laws include measures to increase pay for primary care physicians caring for Medicaid patients, as well as those who choose to work in underserved areas. This shortage has been occurring over the past 30 years, largely because students are attracted to specialist jobs which earn higher salaries. "You can't blame students for not opting for primary care when they carry about $160,000 in debt after they leave school," said Dr. Roland Goertz, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. [via CNN]
