Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Fewer Medical Students Considering Primary Care

Shortage of family doctors looms: study

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Sep 10, 2008 5:06 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Just 2% of graduating medical students say they plan to work in primary care, forecasting a shortage of doctors who coordinate care and keep costs low, the AP reports. And it’s not just higher pay luring them away: They fear the paperwork and increased workload. Primary-care doctors must “speed to see enough patients to make a reasonable living,” says a radiology resident.

International students are filling the looming gap: 42% of family-medicine residencies are held by US students, compared to 94% of orthopedic-surgery slots. Lack of student interest will probably reduce primary-care programs at US teaching hospitals, a Dartmouth doctor predicts. Meanwhile, the cost of American medical schools soared another 8% in the past year.

Just 2% of students said they plan to work in primary care internal medicine. That's down from 9% from a similar survey in 1990.
Just 2% of students said they plan to work in primary care internal medicine. That's down from 9% from a similar survey in 1990.   (AP Photo)
Alexis Dunne chose to be a primary care doctor, despite $250,000 in debt, because she enjoys being like a family friend to patients.
Alexis Dunne chose to be a primary care doctor, despite $250,000 in debt, because she enjoys being "like a family friend" to patients.   (AP Photo)
Some surgeons make more than double the average primary care salary, but students say it's the reduced workload that lures them to specialties.
Some surgeons make more than double the average primary care salary, but students say it's the reduced workload that lures them to specialties.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Shortage spells 'crisis' for older adults
Bloomberg

Systemic reforms needed to attract students
Wall Street Journal

 
education • JAMA • Dartmouth • primary care • medical schools • orthopaedic surgery

More Newser Stories

Top Colleges Report Record Low Rates of Admission

Recruiters Pick Top 10 Biz Schools

Schools Cater to Tech-Enamored Students
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne