Medicine at center stage

Article Abstract:

The practice of medicine has been under much more scrutiny with the increased concern about health care reform. Many members of the public are dissatisfied with the medical profession and the services they provide. Physicians also having trouble defining their role as a profession and as business practitioners. One problem is that financial incentives cannot be avoided in the modern health care system. A fee-for-service practice motivates physicians to work more. A salaried position motivates physicians to work less. Another problem is increased pharmaceutical industry involvement in the practice of medicine. Many companies finance gifts, postgraduate education and meetings at resorts. Physicians often earn extra income through business arrangements with hospitals, treatment laboratories and manufacturers of medical equipment. More effort needs to be focused on eliminating these types of conflicts of interest.

Management, Medicine, Practice, Health care reform, Medical practice

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Primary care and the affliction of internal medicine

Article Abstract:

The overproduction of medical specialists at the expense of general practitioners in the US has been a subject of debate for many years. However, little has been done to rectify the situation, perhaps because there are so many US organizations involved. In Canada, one organization controls the number of specialists produced, but graduate medical policy in the US is scattered over many organizations. Several professional societies have proposed solutions, but many are unrealistic. Some observers believe the only way to address the imbalance is to improve the pay of general practitioners. In the US, with its tradition of free enterprise, individuals have the right to choose their careers. However, it may be time to empower a federal commission to propose a national policy on physician supply. Professional organizations should work together to find solutions to this problem.

Supply and demand, Medical students, Education, Ethical aspects, Career choice, Physicians (General practice), General practitioners

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