Question

Start by reading the statement, “Common disorders commonly occur and rare ones rarely happen.”

1. What would be the expected ratio of generalist to specialist physicians in the United States based on this statement?

2. What is the true ratio? What efforts have been made to manage the maldistribution of physicians?

Answer 1

1. Based on the statement "Common disorders commonly occur and rare ones rarely happen" , we expect that the number of general physicians will be overriding the number of Specialists. Because the common disorders are more existing in number in the community, obviously who treat the common disorders( General physician), should be more in number to meet the doctor patient ratio.

2. 'All physicians are specialists, yet not all specialists are physicians' . Unfortunately in the United States the health sector has too many Specialists and too few General practitioners.

In the the United States, the ratio of Specialist to Generalists is approximately 2 to 1

Ways to manage the mal distribution of physician

1.Reform in payments. Close the widening gap between specialists and general physicians.

2. Medical education system should be better aligned with the needs of the State's health care system, less aligned with the preference of medical institutions.

3. Under graduate programmes should promote a generalist competency based approach in both teaching and testing.

4. Medical school testing should be comprehensive and integrated, instead the current practice of administering exams based on specific subjects.

5. Incentives of medical schools and training programmes should be aligned with the health needs of the country.