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.

The country is hopeful that many of those involved in the program may actually assist in overcoming the crisis. In fact, recent reports show that those enrolled in the program are more likely to go into a general practice or primary care, especially in areas where medical care is limited, or in some cases, non-existent. After which, it is hopeful more students will desire to focus on these areas in the future.

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.

The senior population is forecast to grow above fifty percent over the next 12 years. Whereas, the under 18 population is only forecast to grow by 3 percent during that same timeframe. As such, the fact that older people often utilize health care at increased rates compared to younger individuals will also add to the dilemma in the future.

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.

While this is the case, medical students whom are averse to working in primary care fields only add to the problem. For, internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics are often the most difficult positions to fill around the country. Most often, these individuals avoid working in these areas due to pay being lower than in a number of more specialized areas though training programs are also to blame.

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.

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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