International Medical Students And Young Physician Program Benefits

By Christine Thomas


The current shortage of doctors working as primary care physicians and general practitioners in the United States is a growing problem. In fact, the United States will most likely need to add over 120,000 doctors in the future. While this is the case, it is hoped that the international medical students and young physician program will be of assistance in achieving this goal.

It is hoped that a number of international medical graduates may actually be able to play an integral role in alleviating the crisis. Recent reports show that students attending International schools of medicine are more likely to go into primary care, especially in rural areas where the need is greatest than those whom graduate in the United States. While there is a shortage of doctors, the problem is more the distribution of medical staff to various geographic areas.

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 a forecast suggesting that the 65 and over population will increase by 50% over the next twelve years, the shortage is a long way from over. Considering the fact that older individuals often seek out medical attention more often than young people, and the onset of baby boomers obtaining Medicare, this demand will most likely only increase 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.

As most residents are trained at huge hospital complexes and university hospitals, most are enrolled in specialized fields. Whereas, if more focus were put on working in more generalized areas, doctors in the United States could begin to overcome the crisis. After which, it will be much easier to determine which areas need the most assistance from those enrolled in the international program.

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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