- Experts are sounding the alarm over a decline in new doctors entering pediatrics, warning of serious implications for children’s health care nationwide. This shortage threatens to deprive kids of essential medical attention crucial for their well-being, potentially escalating health care costs in the long term. Aaron Carroll, a pediatrician and president of AcademyHealth, emphasized the urgency in a recent New York Times op-ed, stressing that immediate action is needed to attract more graduates to pediatrics. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: applications to pediatric residency programs dropped over 6 percent from the previous year, with 252 residency spots left unfilled initially. This shortage extends to pediatric subspecialties, exacerbated by financial disincentives compared to other medical fields. Experts recommend policy interventions, such as increased funding for pediatric training and loan repayment programs, to bolster interest in pediatric careers and mitigate future health care challenges. (Article here)
- According to a survey from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) released last week, compensation for critical health care roles rose in 2023 amid heightened demand for workers. Median total compensation for medical assistant positions and health care management positions grew 3.3 percent and 7 percent, respectively, between 2022 and 2023, the survey found. However, increasing compensation cannot fully address labor shortages, according to the MGMA. The most successful medical groups are employing a broad range of strategies to optimize their workforce, including building new graduate programs and leveraging artificial intelligence. (Article here)
July 16, 2024
Providers | Tea Leaves