Colorado Technical University

Will there be a large exodus of primary care doctors soon?

According to the Clinton news network, almost half want out. http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/11/17/primary.care.doctors.study/index.html The vast majority of doctors do not recommend medicine as a career. The primary reason is that malpractice suits make the job not worthwhile. An opposition to the health care overhaul is a significant ancillary reason. Could the large number of malpractice suits be a sign that our universities have turned out a maximum of people that have the aptitude to be competent physicians? Certainly it takes more than just training-it takes ability. Or is it a sign that doctors are rushed too much now days to do a good job? The shortage of primary care physicians already shows that 70 percent are maxed out on patients. Half want to quit but don't merely because they are not adequately qualified for another career. They are, however, discouraging people from choosing medicine as a career-they are not happy. "People who have insurance can't find a doctor, so suddenly we are going to give insurance to a whole bunch of people who haven't had it, without increasing the number of physicians?" he says. "It's going to be a problem."

Public Comments

1. No
2. It's mostly an unrewarding and surprisingly repetitive job. It's the same in all countries - it's like being a glorified aged care worker. I'm an Aussie allied health professional, and I'm planning my way out too. I'm going back to uni to move into a different career. The money's good but I can't take it any more.