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The next couple decades are gonna be really challenging for anyone needing specialized medical care, to put it lightly.
Here's why:
Here's why:
Med school has had a sharp increase in applicants this year. That's awesome!
But it takes 10-14 years to become a fully licensed specialist, which we'll need a lot more of. Whoops, I mean we *currently* need a lot more of, both for #LongCovid & current underserved conditions.
But it takes 10-14 years to become a fully licensed specialist, which we'll need a lot more of. Whoops, I mean we *currently* need a lot more of, both for #LongCovid & current underserved conditions.
Waves of specialists are retiring -- & because of a lack of incentives & financial support for med students to pursue certain specialties & sub-specialties, there already aren't enough doctors to fill the specialist positions we're losing as docs retire.
I'll use the example of rheumatology, since I'm a rheumatology patient & professional in the US.
In late 2019, it was estimated that by 2030 we would need ~100% additional rheumatologists to fill positions due to retirement + expected demand.
100%. You read that right.
In late 2019, it was estimated that by 2030 we would need ~100% additional rheumatologists to fill positions due to retirement + expected demand.
100%. You read that right.
There has been a growing shortage of rheumatologists, with appointment wait times to see one up to a year in some cases.
That doesn't include the extreme shortage of pediatric rheumatologists (<400 in US,
~10 US states don't have a single one, 300,000 kids currently need one).
That doesn't include the extreme shortage of pediatric rheumatologists (<400 in US,
~10 US states don't have a single one, 300,000 kids currently need one).
It was already common knowledge in the medical community (especially within rheumatology) that the increase of rheumatic conditions is far-outpacing the availability of care.
However, those stats are no longer relevant due to COVID.
Now, the definitive likelihood that an unknowable number of people will need rheumatic care from long COVID means we'll need way more rheumatologists than previously estimated.
Now, the definitive likelihood that an unknowable number of people will need rheumatic care from long COVID means we'll need way more rheumatologists than previously estimated.
Rheumatologists treat over 200 different diseases. They already can't possibly be experts in every single rheumatic disease they treat, & soon we'll [very likely] have new COVID-caused rheumatic conditions.
Where was I?
Oh, right:
Where was I?
Oh, right:
So, the medical system was already strained pre-COVID.
Chronic & disabled patients lack adequate care *already*.
Doctors have been exhausted for years, struggling with large patient loads, lacks in funding, & insurance & other constraints; & research funding isn't adequate.
Chronic & disabled patients lack adequate care *already*.
Doctors have been exhausted for years, struggling with large patient loads, lacks in funding, & insurance & other constraints; & research funding isn't adequate.
...& it takes upwards of 15 years to become a specialist.
But it could take longer now.
Because there are complicating factors that come with more students; ie availability of educators, residencies, financial aid, health insurance, facility infrastructure...
Oh, & COVID.
But it could take longer now.
Because there are complicating factors that come with more students; ie availability of educators, residencies, financial aid, health insurance, facility infrastructure...
Oh, & COVID.
I gave the example of one specialty: rheumatology.
Imagine how many med specialties will be going through the same thing post-COVID, with increased need for care from long COVID patients who need pulmonologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, immunologists, just to name *some*.
Imagine how many med specialties will be going through the same thing post-COVID, with increased need for care from long COVID patients who need pulmonologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, immunologists, just to name *some*.
I can't put this lightly.
Basically, we're f***ed.
The last 12 months have been hell. But this is only the beginning.
Wear your damn mask & stay the f*** home.
Even if you don't get COVID, the likelihood you'll need to see a medical specialist in the next 5-15 years is high.
Basically, we're f***ed.
The last 12 months have been hell. But this is only the beginning.
Wear your damn mask & stay the f*** home.
Even if you don't get COVID, the likelihood you'll need to see a medical specialist in the next 5-15 years is high.
And they may not be able to fit you in.
This isn't over.
It's just starting.
This isn't over.
It's just starting.
