Sunday, August 18, 2019

International Medical Students And Young Physician Program Benefits

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 hoped that a number of international medical graduates may actually be able to play an integral role in alleviating the crisis. Recent reports show that students attending International schools of medicine are more likely to go into primary care, especially in rural areas where the need is greatest than those whom graduate in the United States. While there is a shortage of doctors, the problem is more the distribution of medical staff to various geographic areas.

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 appears to be greatest in underserved urban and rural areas. In fact, many towns such as Arcata, California have a hard time keeping doctors beyond a residency. For, the area is so rural and limited, that many whom come to study or work in the area often leave after a few years, including those in residency programs.

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.

Most medical schools in the United States train physicians at huge university hospitals. As a result, those in training are often discouraged from working in the primary care field by the upon graduation. One reason this is the case, is because these individuals are often taught that if clinics and hospitals want primary care physicians, then there needs to be a program for training in this area.

To assist in overcoming this shortage, one of the most prestigious international schools of medicine in the world is now supplying a number of primary care doctors to the United States. For, the university believes that by exposing students to community and outpatient clinics, the students, clients and school will benefit in the long run. After which, it is hoped that more students will work towards degrees as general practitioners or primary care physicians.




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1 comment:

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