Public Health Professionals Essay -- Health, Health Services

Identify and describe three reasons why there may be a physician shortage rather than a surplus in the U.S. William & Torrens (2010) provided a table to show the first time since 1965, between 2000 and 2005, there was a slight decrease in the ratio of physicians per 100,000 civilian populations. The three reasons why there is a physician shortage rather than a surplus in the United States is caused first of all by more restrictive elements that have been blunted due to widespread physician and patient dissatisfaction, particularly with limits of choice (Williams & Torrens, page 270). The move away from more efficient forms of organized medical practice commonly means that more physicians will be necessary to deliver the same level of care (Mick, 2004). Physicians and patients seem to prefer choice to efficiency, which will add pressure for more physicians and is the first of several possible factors fueling fears of a new shortage (Williams & Torrens, page 270). The second reason for the physician shortage in the United States is was a larger percentage of women in medical school. Wome n still do a majority of the tasks surrounding the raising of children and maintaining a home, leaving less time available for practice (Williams & Torrens, page 270). This demographic shift with the workforce may produce more pressure for more than fewer physicians (Williams & Torrens, page 270). Third, physician preferences now favor a more â€Å"controllable lifestyle† (Williams & Torrens, page 270). Young physicians today seek career opportunities with weekends off limiting the hours worked per week. These preferences over time will reduce the availability for patient care (Dorsey, Jarjorua, & Rutecki. 2003). Identify and describe three f... ...ion, the emergence of the hospital and hospital systems and their associated ambulatory clinics as the central institution of the health care system, and the large array of post hospitalization treatment venues that include nursing homes, rehabilitation facilitates, hospices, and home health organizations (Williams & Torrens, page 268). Secondly, technological innovation has also lead to increased specialization of health care personnel, primarily during the last 40 year (Williams& Torrens, page 268). This specialization opened the door to several new health care professions. The last role reviewed was health care workers that have gained the largest share of the overall number of allied health positions. They compose of a mere 1 to 2 percent in 1920, but in 2000 they made up over 54 percent (Williams & Torrens, page 268).