The International Medical Students And Young Physician Program

By Christine Thomas


While there are currently a number of doctors working in cities, towns and rural towns, there is a huge shortage of general practitioners and specialists in many areas. In fact, the United States will most likely need up 120,000 additional doctors, specialists and primary care physicians by the year 2030. As a result, there is an international medical students and young physician program forming in the country.

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.

The shortage also exists due to the limited number of positions available at residency programs all across the country. For, while there are many residents registered in specialty programs, those opting to work in general practice are few and far between. At the same time, more people are now insured and seeking out medical attention than ever before in history. As a result, there will be a need for more doctors and specialists in the coming years.

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 health crisis is one that appears to be most prevalent in rural areas. In fact, many areas such as Eureka, California have a hard time keeping physicians beyond an Emergency Room Residency program. For, these areas are so limited and rural that many whom enroll in such programs leave upon completion of the required hours.

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.

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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