In recent data from polls on what’s happening in the world of medical practice, it seems internists and family practice specialists are dissatisfied with their choice of specialty. Both types of practice are challenging areas of medicine but are at the lower end of the pay scale. Those at the higher end of the pay scale, are more satisfied, orthopedists, oncologists, etc.
Residents in training – the next wave of physicians – are choosing the more profitable and less stressful positions. In addition, having a private practice is not a real goal any more either as it’s just way too complicated to practice medicine and operate what’s become a heavily burdened with overhead and regulation business.
The bottom line is that physician shortages are going to happen. With the increase of the American aging population as well as mandated insurance coverage, the shortages will have a major impact. More and more of the primary care will be provided by non-physicians, that is physician assistants will be doing the work.
The AMA is pushing for solutions, encouraging legislators to provide more funds for training and existing schools to work harder to recruit more applicants for the training programs.