AMA Seeks to Lower Medical Student Loans Comments Off

Filed under Medical Industry
Written by Fred on 25th Jun -08

Student loans, especially medical student loans, are real burdens that is not to be taken lightly.

Any medical school student can attest to the overwhelming cost of medical education. In fact, the cost of medical education has doubled in the last 15 years with those studying in private schools experience a higher increase that that! With those figure it is quite understandable why medical practitioners go for the money right after graduating, after all they do need to pay their medical student debt, which currently averages at $140,000 per student.

The figures are such that applicants, who would otherwise have become productive contributors to the medical field, opt not to continue. This is a tragedy not only to their personal goals, but also because of the fact that it contributes to the shortage of physicians that is facing the United States. Because of this, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a policy on June 19 that they hope would help address the problem of medical student debt. The policy includes helping students find better financing options and greater transparency on the part of medical schools.

Industry Gifts: What is Your Stand? Comments Off

Filed under Ethics and Issues, Medical Industry
Written by Fred on 30th Apr -08

When it comes to this controversial topic it would be best if you know where you stand. You never know if you will be asked the question during an interview, and not having a ready and convincing answer can reflect badly on you.

The issue of getting gifts from the medical industry has been a much debated one for a long time. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), “medical schools and teaching hospitals have become increasingly dependent on industry support of their core educational missions.” To them this is not a good thing because it “can influence the objectivity and integrity of academic teaching, learning, and practice.”

While some may object that educational and practice-related gifts such as samples and equipment does not warrant as a gift, AAMC deems them to also be inappropriate.

What do you think? Figure out your stand and stick to it.

Shortage in Physicians Means Higher Acceptance Rates in Med Schools Comments Off

Filed under Medical Industry, Medical Schools
Written by Fred on 25th Jan -08

Good news for applicants to medical schools. Due to the shortage of healthcare, especially in rural America, medical schools have started accepting more applicants as of last year.

The reason for the shortage in medical practitioners can be traced back to the 1970s when medical advisory groups predicted a lower demand for physicians by the 1990s. The lower demand was attributed to a better healthcare system. However, as recent years have shown the disparity between the population growth and the improvements in healthcare has led to an increasing problem in terms of number of health practitioners.

What this means for those aiming to pursue a career in the medical industry is that this is a time where chances to get accepted will significantly increase. However, it is also important to note that there is a lopsided number of doctors now deciding to become specialists instead of family doctors or general surgeons due to the pay difference. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, the demand is actually for general practitioners, which is something important to think about.