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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Fewer Medical Students Considering Primary Care

Shortage of family doctors looms: study

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(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
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)
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