Monday, August 12, 2019

The International Medical Students And Young Physician Program

By Christine Thomas


The current shortage of doctors working as primary care physicians and general practitioners in the United States is a growing problem. In fact, the United States will most likely need to add over 120,000 doctors in the future. While this is the case, it is hoped that the international medical students and young physician program will be of assistance in achieving this goal.

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.

As most residents are trained at huge hospital complexes and university hospitals, most are enrolled in specialized fields. Whereas, if more focus were put on working in more generalized areas, doctors in the United States could begin to overcome the crisis. After which, it will be much easier to determine which areas need the most assistance from those enrolled in the international program.

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.




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