Health reform may lead to doctor shortage, Hopkins and UMMS execs say


"......Meanwhile, medical schools are not churning out a greater number of doctors and only a handful of those graduates pursue primary care, said Robert Chrencik, CEO of University of Maryland Medical System. Most graduating medical students gravitate toward futures as surgeons or specialists, which they see as more viable long-term careers with more stable incomes.

“Just a small portion are primary care,” Chrencik said.

The GBC forum was held nearly two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court voted to uphold President Barack Obama's health care reform bill.
The challenge Maryland faces is to not only increase the number of primary care physicians in its ranks, but to entice them to set up shop in the communities that need them most.

The greatest growth in demand for primary care physicians will be among poorer communities, where many residents are uninsured or under insured. But already, some private physicians have stopped accepting Medicare and Medicaid patients because the payment rates for the federal and state programs do not cover the cost of care....."

Health reform may lead to doctor shortage, Hopkins and UMMS execs say - Baltimore Business Journal

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Why the physician shortage is a perfect storm

"....So why are virtually all of your Boomer doctors contemplating full or partial retirement, and why are so many following through with it?

For many of them, it stems from job satisfaction. Gone are the days of autonomy in their work and fair reimbursement. Professional status has taken a sting, respect from patients has diminished, and administrative burdens have escalated sharply.

Things are just different, not as much fun, and less rewarding than they used to be. The declining reimbursement and increasing expenses are not worth the hard work and long hours....."

Why the physician shortage is a perfect storm