Many fields in medicine are seeing a reduction in their workforce. While other fields have so many specialists. Fields like primary care are being neglected. Mostly because students do not understand their importance in society.
Fewer HealthCare Providers
A report by the FRESNO, Calif.(FOX26) experts say that by 2030 there will be a reduction in the number of primary care physicians. The reduction is already being witnessed in many places in the US, for example, in Central Valley.
This will be a major problem in the US if it is not addressed now. Mainly because according to statistics, more Americans are living long lives. This means that when they get to a certain age they will require care.
What will happen to them if there are not enough healthcare providers?
Most doctors are currently retiring quite early. At the age of 55. And there are not many med students specializing in primary care.
Effects of Reduced Healthcare Providers
The reduction of healthcare providers will lead to many people waiting in line to see a doctor. Others will be forced to travel long distances to get healthcare. And most people will be forced to take preventive care steps.
Why Med Students Do Not Want To Specialize in Primary Care
Research has shown that med students do not want to specialize in primary care because they do not want to end up with huge student loans. Also the time taken to study and get a license as a healthcare provider is long. It takes from 11-15 years after high school education.
Med students also specialize in other medical fields because they pay more than primary care.
Solutions to the Problem
Educating and mentoring students to specialize in this field of medicine will solve the problem. Most of them will get to understand what primary care is all about. And why it is important to society.
UCSF Fresno has already started on ways to deal with this problem. Some of their measures include:
- Residency training
- Creating pipeline programs
- Training med students from diverse backgrounds
- Working with universities and colleges to strengthen pipeline programs
Diversifying Medical Education
There are 3 programs that have been set by med schools to help diversify medical education. This way they will be able to get more med students to specialize in fields that are having scarce workforce like primary care.
The 3 programs include:
1. Changing the View on MCAT and GPA Scores
Med schools are being encouraged to enroll students that did not get their minimum score in the MCAT exam. This is because most of these students end up working harder than the rest. And getting even better results and becoming the best physicians.
2. Working with the Underprivileged in Society
Med students rarely work with the underprivileged people in society. Giving them this opportunity will open their minds to a lot of things. They will understand why specializing in fields like primary care is important. Because it will help those who can barely afford the services in society.
3. Making House Calls
When med students are taken to the homes and environments of their patients they will be exposed to a lot. They will be able to see their patients in their natural habitat. And this will explain a lot about their condition.
This is also a good way to serve the community. And the students will understand why medical fields like primary care are important to the community.
Being a healthcare provider is not a bad job. It is a really good way to give back to society. By helping people, especially those that cannot afford it.
