Quote:
Originally Posted by NYGUY
No, you do not misunderstand. I don't think, in general, TVH specialists or other specialists, overall, in the area are top-notch. My theory is that it is very difficult to recruit the best and brightest along with their families to a rural area such as this. It's just my opinion, but I am sure it plays a roll.
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The patient profile of a doctor here is going to be reasonably healthy senior citizen, period. Very few doctors want to have a practice of managing our demographic unless they are in geriatrics and enjoy it. Family doctors are trained to treat all ages and spend a little time training in elder care. They would want to see kids, teens, young adults... Specialists may expect to see fewer young people but most can expect good continuity and to be able to manage their patients. We, as patients, often have another set of doctors "back home" and many seem to leave the area when an illness worsens. Combine this with a severe lack of younger adults and kids for the doctor's family social life, and yes it is harder to get doctors to come here other than those into geriatrics and those nearer retirement age themselves.