FYI Articles

Differences Between A Physician and a Physician Assistant

Physicians and physician assistants are both in high demand. The healthcare industry overall is projected to grow much faster than any other industry – at 14%, from 2018 to 2028. This job growth is due to an increased demand for healthcare services by the growing and aging population, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . The rise of Urgent Care Clinics is also responsible for the increased demand for less expensive medical practitioners Though the two are very similar caree...

5 Overlooked Medical Careers

When people consider a profession in healthcare, the first thing that comes to mind is doctors and nurses. As medicine continues to advance, the need for various healthcare specialists has developed. However, these jobs, because they are not on the forefront, are easily overlooked. What are some of these lesser-known healthcare careers? Medical Dosimetrist Medical Dosimetrists typically work in a hospital or cancer center as part of a radiation oncology team to help treat cancer patients via ra...

Employment Outlook For Dentists

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 best job rankings had Dentists in the number two position, second only to Software Developer, and ahead of other professions in the healthcare field. Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average of all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health. Also, the growing popularity of cosmetic denti...

Physicians Marrying Physicians: Challenges and Benefits

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), about 40% of physicians are likely to marry another physician or health care professional (HCP). There are both challenges and benefits of being in a two-physician relationship. With about 50% of physicians reporting burnout, it means that many dual physician households are at increased risk that one or both will experience burnout. Challenges also include dealing with medical student-loan debt and in the case of physicians with young familie...

Obstetrician/Gynecologists Outlook

Our population is growing at a faster rate than we are producing Obstetrician/Gynecologists (Ob/Gyns). According to the Journal of Women’s Health, by 2020, demand for Ob/Gyn care is projected to increase by 6%, creating a shortage of 8,800 specialists in this field. What are the key drivers of an increase in demand for Ob/Gyns? Demand for Ob/Gyns is increasing as women are delaying childbirth. Pregnancies are generally declining among women in their 20s and rising among women in their 30s...

Can Technology Save Healthcare?

The United States currently ranks highest in healthcare spending among developed nations accounting for 18% (about $3.5 trillion) of gross domestic product (GDP). It spends twice as much on healthcare as any other industrialized nation but with the lowest outcomes. Healthcare costs are projected to increase by 5.5% annually to consume 20% of GDP by 2026. This outpaces the expected growth of the overall economy and strains the budget for the government, business, and consumers. It also diverts m...

Trends in Physician Careers

Changes in healthcare delivery are impacting practice settings and in turn, are affecting the trajectory of doctors' careers. The Physicians Advocacy Institute reported in 2016, that between 2012 and 2015 hospitals had acquired 31,000 physician practices. The percentage of physicians employed by hospitals/health systems grew significantly during this period from approximately 25% to close to 40%. While the trend of hospitals buying practices has abated, the current level still represents a ...

Could Working for an Urgent Care Center Be for You?

If working in one of the fastest growing segments in health care is for you, the next time that you drive by your local "walk-in clinic" think of this: almost 90% percent of Urgent Care Centers expected patient visits to increase and had plans for expansion in the coming year, according to Becker's' Hospital Review. The reasons patients are flocking to the local Urgent Care Center instead of the Emergency Room are many. The first reason is an important reason – they a...

Locum Tenens: The Advantages

Plagued by issues of managed care, mounting paperwork, rising malpractice costs, and diminishing reimbursements, some physicians are opting to step away from traditional practices. There are many advantages to working as a locum tenens - a flexible work schedule, freedom from bureaucratic responsibilities, choosing your work location, and time off when you require it. There are now an estimated 44,000 physicians, about 6% of active doctors, working locum tenens, with an increasing number being ...

The Economics of Urgent Care Centers

As the U.S. health care system struggles with strained emergency room capacity, primary care physician shortages, and rising health care costs, the demand for the Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) has been stimulated to provide non-critical care. UCCs provide both convenience and cost efficiency to patients. UCCs are open for longer hours than primary care physicians, long waits at emergency rooms (ERs) are eliminated, and costs are lower. According to a recent review from the National Center for Heal...