Today Howard Payne University took eight students to tour the medical schools at the University of North Texas and Southwestern. Though a field trip with a bunch of science majors doesn’t sound particularly exciting, there is a disturbing story that lies with the medical field exemplified by the state of our medical schools.
The Association of American Medical Colleges forewarns of a looming crisis, the American Doctor Shortage. As soon as 2025, the current training of doctors will be unable to sustain the growing and aging U.S. population. A shortage as much as 90,000 doctors can be expected, resulting in longer emergency room waiting times and worsening of medical conditions—not to mention stressed medical staff.
As hopeful doctors, it was disheartening to see the numbers presented to us by the schools. Out of the thousands of applications received by medicals schools across Texas, only a few hundred were granted an interview–and even fewer were accepted. It's ironic that the AAMC warns of a doctor shortage when there are so few people who actually get into medical school compared to those who apply.
As we toured the schools, I couldn't help but feel anxious about my own future. I chose my major based on going to medical school. Since freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. Yet, now my fate is determined by a circumstances outside of my control. Am I wasting my time?
Those who tread this path before us had spent years of their life planning and hoping to be able to devote the rest of their lives in servitude to others. As we walk this path, a large majority will find that circumstance will prove too powerful of opposition. If federal funding of residency is truly the issue then something must be done. Awareness is key in public policy change.
I urge you to help increase awareness of this issue by signing the petition located on the AAMA Doctor Shortage.
