What is primary care?

Overall Problem: Shortage of Primary Care Physicians

What is primary care?
Impact of Affordable Care Act on primary care
Forecasted that there will be a need of 52,000 more primary care physicians by 2025.
Medical students choosing to specialize versus to go into primary care.

Specific Problem 1: Education to Become a Physician is very Expensive.

Growing national concern.
Average medical school debt for a physician – $166,750 while average schools are declining.
Primary Care physicians barely make more than the amount they accumulated in medical debt. They range salaries between $173,000 AND $185,000

Specific Problem 2: Not an Adequte Number of Residencies for Volume of Medical Students

In 2016, Main Residency match was largest on record encompassing 42,370 registered applicants in 30,750 positions.
Of 2018, 75.6% medical students matched with a resdiency program leavin a quarter of applicants without positions.
Additional 1,700 primary care residency slots necessary by 2035.
A 10% reduction in the ratio of population would require more than 3,000 additional slots by 2035.

Solution 1: Offer Vocational Schools Students Can Attend During High School

What is a vocational school?
Usually offered in vocational schools: Traditional vocational schools offer common courses such as mechanical, electrical, automotive, carpentry, plumbing, and other “shop skills.” However, there are trade schools that also include fields as diverse as culinary arts, music production, broadcasting, graphic design, computer programing, fashion design, cosmetology, filmmaking, and medical courses that allow you to earn certifications such as nursing and medical assistant certifications
Allow students to take courses towards their degree

Solution 2: Limit Specialty Residencies

Interest Groups: Solution 1

Interest Group: Solution 2