Future of Medical Treatment

Investment Analysis Clubs Macro Economic Trends and Risks
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There is currently & a future need for more medical doctors.
I have been fortunate, at age 73, not to need much medical attention.
But I have noticed in the past 2 years that I have been seeing more nurse practitioners or physician assistants in medical practices at least initially.
I suppose they are utilized to screen patients to see if the patient needs to see a doctor. But they also perform medical procedures and prescribe medicine.
In my personal case, I worked outside for 35 years and have Scandinavian heritage. Thus have developed basal & melanoma cancers.
At age 65 I saw an older dermatologist physician. But he & other dermatologists have sold their practices to a New York-based private equity firm. That firm has sold it to a LA private equity firm at the beginning of 2022.
Since age 68, I have been seeing a physician assistant at my dermatology medical practice. He has removed all subsequent basal cancers and 2 melanoma, back & arm, via the Moh’s procedure. However I had 2 squamous cancers on the cheek & neck. They were removed by the medical practice’s board certified dermatologist via the Moh’s procedure. I assume the physician assistant is restricted on where he can perform Moh’s procedures.

I see a nurse practitioner at my primary care medical practice. This is typical in my area. Most of my geezers friends have the same experience in regard to their primary doctors.

I have noticed that my local state University just a few years ago started a school to crank out doctors of osteopathic medicine. I have no clue on how they compare to an MD.

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I give my donation every 6 months but now they have allowed me to raise it to 1 year. Lucky for me, so far, I only have to do the spray. I haven’t had the knife yet.

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I’ve had Moh’s surgery so many times it’s a wonder my head doesn’t fall off. It seems every time I go to the dermatologist she’s always freezing or taking biopsies (sp). The biopsie comes back cancerous here comes another doctor’s appointment with the Mho’s guy.

I marshal at a golf course and most of my issues are on the left side and it makes sense since the steering wheel on the golf cart is on the left side.

So far I have been lucky with the physician assistants as it pertains to dermatologist but both the boss and I have walked out on doctors that really aren’t doctors they are P/A’s.

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NPs and PAs are much cheaper for a practice than an MD, especially a specialist MD. For many routine purposes, NPs and PAs do a good job – it was an NP who saved my life by listening to my heart (finding a heart murmur) when my MD primary care neglected that simple step. (I sent the NP a heart-felt thank-you note.)

However, after my surgery I was not seen by any doctors. In the old days, the doctors would make rounds but not anymore. So a serious problem that kept me in the hospital for 9 days went untreated.

Wendy

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An MD and DO are both fully credentialed doctors with equal authority, but an MD is considered to be more prestigious.

From Google AI:

{{ While some may perceive an MD degree as having more prestige than a DO degree, both are equivalent accreditations that allow physicians to practice medicine, and the choice between them depends on individual preferences and career goals. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here’s a more detailed breakdown: [1, 2]

  • Equal Accreditation and Authority: Both MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degrees are recognized as equivalent, granting physicians the same level of authority and responsibility to practice medicine. [1, 2]
  • Philosophical Differences: The main difference lies in the philosophy and approach to medicine they bring to their practice. MDs focus on a more traditional, allopathic approach, while DOs are trained in a holistic approach, including osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). [1, 4, 5]
  • Perceived Prestige: While both degrees are recognized, some may perceive MDs as having more prestige, particularly in certain specialties or hospitals. This perception can be influenced by the historical context and the fact that there are more MDs in the medical field. [3, 4, 6]
  • Career Paths and Specialties: DOs are more likely to choose primary care specialties, while MDs tend to be more prevalent in specialized and competitive fields. [1, 7]
  • Residency Match: While both MDs and DOs can match into residency programs, MDs may have an easier time matching into competitive specialties. [8, 9]
  • DOs and MDs are both physicians: They both have the same credentials and can practice in the same ways. [10]

Generative AI is experimental.

[1] DO vs MD: What are the Differences? | ProspectiveDoctor

[2] MD vs. DO: The Biggest Differences (And Which is Better) — Shemmassian Academic Consulting

[3] https://www.rockyvistahc.com/about-us/what-is-the-difference-between-md-and-do

[4] MD vs. DO: Allopathic/Osteopathic Doctor and Med School Comparison | Med School Insiders

[5] https://www.inspiraadvantage.com/blog/do-vs-md

[6] MD vs DO: The Major Differences (And Which is Better) | International Medical Aid

[7] https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/do-vs-md-how-much-does-medical-school-degree-type-matter

[8] Reddit - Heart of the internet

[9] Reddit - Heart of the internet

[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJlDyaLX_L4 }}

My board certified dermatologist is a DO. Since dermatology is one of the must lucrative specialties and a 9 to 5 job, it’s hard to get into. I’m assuming he’s either a superstar or had a relative on the selection committee for his residency.

He’s done 4 or 5 skin cancer surgeries on me over the past 15 years and done all the work himself.

intercst

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All my skin cancer is on the right side. My dermatologist said that’s very unusual since the steering wheel on a car is on the left side and a lot of people drive with the window open.

I told him I drove convertibles during the years I lived in Texas, Louisiana, and California.

intercst

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Americans are increasingly waiting weeks or even months to get an appointment to see a healthcare specialist. This delay comes at a time when the population of aging adults is rising dramatically. By 2050, the number of adults over 85 is expected to triple, which will intensify the strain on an already stretched healthcare system.

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects a national shortage of 140,000 physicians by 2036, with that shortfall spanning multiple specialties, including primary care, obstetrics, cardiology and geriatrics.

However, some geographic areas in the country – especially some of those with the poorest health – are disproportionately affected. The brunt of the effect will be felt in rural areas: An estimated 56% shortage is predicted in nonmetro areas, versus only 6% in metro areas.