One of the constant messages we hear today in the health care "debate" is that there are not enough family doctors or primary care physicians to adequately service the population. Part of the answer to the question "Why?" is often attributed to the lower compensation this group receives, relative to more lucrative specialties. Further, it is noted that while many physicians say that they would practice family medicine, higher compensation is needed in order to repay their large, outstanding medical school bills. Therefore, they migrate to where the dollars are.
I have an idea that has proven to be effective for teachers. In return for agreeing to teach for a certain number of years, teachers have historically been able to locate and receive government supported education at state colleges and universities. It seems simple enough to encourage this same trade for doctors. Those willing to practice as primary care physicians in certain states or cities would receive free or lower cost medical school education.
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Great idea! There's no question we have a problem, and helping people find economic support to become primary care physicians is one good solution. This will become critical if there are millions more who will avail themselves of the health care system.
ReplyDeleteWhile this is a good idea, it's only one solution. We still need to fix the undrlying problems like the cost of malpractice insurance. We also have to address the payment system that keeps these doctors under financial distress. I'm one who doesn't beleive that these concerns are being properly addressed.