Dem Senator Warns: Doctor Shortage is Going to Sting
Government Takeover Fails to Address Key Cause of Lack of Access To Healthcare
President Obama Promised to Address the Problem of a Doctor Shortage:
“Obama administration officials, alarmed at doctor shortages, are looking for ways to increase the number of physicians to meet the needs of an aging population and millions of uninsured people who would gain coverage under legislation championed by the president. (Mary Whitley, “Obama administration concerned about growing shortage of primary-care doctors,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, 04/26/20009)
RED ALERT: Association Of American Medical College Foresees Shortage Of 150,000 Doctors:
“If everything in the new health care plan works out the way it’s supposed to, over the next decade another 32 million Americans will be trying to get a doctor’s appointment. There could be a line. That’s because even before the new legislation kicks in, the country is facing a medical manpower shortage, especially of primary care doctors. The Association of American Medical Colleges sees a shortage over the next few years of 150,000 doctors, with the situation considerably worse in rural areas…‘The piece I don’t think is addressed to any level is how you produce more doctors,” says Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., a strong supporter of the bill. “We don’t have enough doctors. There are too many baby boomer doctors retiring, and too many baby boomers needing more care.’” (David Sarasohn, “Patients will be in, but the doctors may be out,” The Oregonian, 4/20/2010)