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.

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.

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.

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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