profession
Wisconsin explores options to stem physician shortages
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 12, 2011
Wisconsin must take swift and aggressive action to avert physician shortages during the next 20 years or risk the long-term loss of certain health care services, says a November report by the Wisconsin Hospital Assn.
Hospital association officials estimate that the state must hire 100 new physicians annually to keep up with patient care demands. Without that increase, Wisconsin will have a shortfall of more than 2,000 physicians by 2030, says the report (link).
Tackling the problem will require significant changes to the state's medical education and physician training systems. The report outlines several possible actions, including expanding residency programs, opening a new medical school or satellite campuses to existing schools, and offering incentives to keep medical students from leaving the state after graduation.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/prbf1212.htm.