In the News: AAMC Calls for Medical Schools to Increase Enrollment

You know, you wouldn't think a statement like this would be all that big of a deal...but it is. For each increase in enrollment, you have to look at the student:teacher ratio, you have to consider tuition and financial aid, clinical practicums (learning on site in the clinics), rotations, how it impacts residencies...and the list goes on and on. The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) believes we could run into a physician shortage at some point in the future and therefore wants to flood the market with medical graduates. I don't know what the job market is like for private practice, but academic teaching/research centers like ours looks at many factors when considering a physician hire. From an administration standpoint, we don't really care what specialty it is and etc. What it comes down to is clinical productivity, profit, grant support, blah blah blah. Departments have to jump through many hoops before they are allowed to advertise for a physician. They must write a business plan and address specific issues, put together a benefit package and a financial report to show that the department can support an additional staff member. It's crazy! Then, add on the costs of malpractice insurance and I think you're gonna have a generation of kids that will think it's nutty to go into medicine. While it's true doctors make the big bucks, let's look at the trade-off: you get sued all of the time, you have to pay outrageous malpractice insurance premiums, you have student loans that equal the purchase of a luxury home in an exotic location, you have no time for family or friends, very little time for hobbies and you'll be fortunate if your marriage can endure the stresses of your career. Now they're suggesting we flood the market with people in this situation? If centers can't afford to hire them, then what are they to do? They can't make a living in rural areas anymore.

Hmm...I just found it an interesting suggestion. (This is what happens when the University goes on spring break, leaving me without a newspaper for the week.)