I’ve discussed this topic with several classmates but am surprised that I’ve never written about it – as a physician, would you treat a loved one? Read more  

Estimates say that with Obamacare now in place, the United States will have a shortage of roughly 35,000 primary care physicians over the next decade. Currently, only 30-35% of all physicians are in primary care. Why? Like with most things in this country, you’ve gotta follow the money.

Primary care physicians, on average, get paid less than their specialist counterparts while many work just as many hours. Sure, the residency programs are shorter, but when it comes down to paying off debt accumulated throughout college and medical school… a cosy salary really helps. Plus, one approach to resolving the healthcare system’s growing costs is to place primary care physicians as the “first stop” for patients, so it should be an important focus for the government.

One of the main points emphasized in the management electives I’ve taken is the concept of healthcare costs vs. GDP/inflation. It doesn’t matter how much we try to lower the cost of healthcare – if the rate of healthcare expenditure increases faster than the GDP, it won’t be long before 20, 30, or even 50% of the United States’ gross domestic product is dedicated to repaying healthcare-related costs. Read more