Posts Tagged trouble
Desperate Doctors, It’s Not A TV Show
Posted by admin in Healthcare Systems on May 19, 2011
By Douglas Cassel
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation – Henry David Thoreau
Sometimes even the largest national issues are best understood through the prism of individual anecdote. Over the last week I serendipitously encountered three old acquaintances, at different stages of their medical careers, whose experiences can tell us much about where medical reform is heading. Just like me, their stories may surprise you.
The first hopeful was a junior in college, working to get into medical school. He is a great kid, good grades, board scores and research activities. His resume is solid, if not great. 40 years ago when I applied, he would have had no trouble getting into medical school. Today, his prospects are questionable. Medical school has become enormously popular as a career choice, and applications continue to soar. The quality of the candidates and the admission of women have made the process more competitive than ever, while at the same time, the actual world these graduates will enter is changing. I wonder whether all of these high achievers will be happy in the family practice jobs they will end up filling. Financial incentives, student loans, and decreasing specialty residency spaces will reduce choices substantially. Much of the attraction of medicine has been the challenge and intellectual stimulation encountered in specialty practice, which may not be an option for many. The future for these graduates will not be so much black or white, but a dull grey.
The second doctor I spoke to was a surgical resident finishing his seventh year of post medical school training. (That’s 15 years post high school). Despite all of this training he was having trouble finding a job anywhere his wife wanted to live. Read the rest of this entry »
Summertime Blues, Sprained Ankles and the Walk-In Clinic
Posted by admin in Healthcare Systems on May 13, 2011
By Slava Fuzayloff
Summertime is almost here. It’s the perfect time to get to the parks and check out all those good-looking girlies or hard-bodied men (depending on which way you swing.). It’s also time to break out those running shoes and hit the pavement. This is how the trouble begins. Jogging is a good way to get into shape-but it’s a great way to sprain an ankle. There are several things we all need when summertime comes: new shorts, a new tan, and a reliable walk-in clinic!
According to the latest research (yeah, people keep track of all sorts of things) the walk-in clinic is fast becoming the go-to medical spot for the American public. Walk-in clinics are popping up everywhere these days. The triple threat of great hours, great service, and great prices are the reasons why.
We all know the many problems with hospital emergency rooms. For one thing, it’s very possible you will be walking out sicker then when you came in. There’s also the ungodly amount of time you spend waiting to be seen. You may be ready for Medicare by the time your name is called! Not so with a walk-in clinic.
At a walk-in clinic, the doctors and staff recognize the importance of your time. Hey, emergency room personnel shouldn’t be crucified for their apparent lack of concern over this aspect of their job, after all emergency rooms are for emergencies. So if someone sicker than you comes in, it’s their job to take care of that person first. Makes sense. Doesn’t get you seen any quicker-but it makes sense.
At a good walk-in clinic you can be seen in under an hour. Believe it, it’s true. Under an hour without an appointment is common. The fast service time is part of their business model. Read the rest of this entry »