Retraining Retired Docs to Alleviate Physician Shortage

Retraining Retired Docs to Alleviate Physician
Shortage
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By Linda Barlow
If the industry estimates are correct, the United States could be
facing a shortage of primary care physicians to the tune of
130,000 needed doctors by 2025. But a program developed by a
group of physicians, along with University of California San
Diego School of Medicine faculty, seeks to address that shortage.
The Physician Retraining and Reentry program (PRR) is an
online program designed to give experienced, medically licensed
physicians and specialists — retired or otherwise — the
opportunity to practice adult outpatient primary care in
understaffed clinics across the country.
The program has also given new hope to disabled surgeons who
are no longer able to practice surgery, but who are far from
voluntary retirement. While these surgeons are unable to perform surgery due to dexterity
issues, they are fully capable and eager to treat patients in a primary care setting.
“With approximately 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day and becoming Medicare
eligible, and an additional 30 million people gaining access to healthcare due to the
Affordable Care Act, PRR is doing its part to help make a positive impact on the nation’s
healthcare system,” says Dr. Leonard Glass, founder and president, PRR, and a former
UC San Diego School of Medicine professor.
To participate in the program, physicians must take 15 online courses, covering
everything from cardiology and dermatology, to medical records. Doctors must pass each
course’s test before moving on to the next course. After completing all 15 courses,
doctors must pass a final online exam.
“Physicians completing the program will have mastered the medical knowledge and
diagnostic skills necessary to serve as outstanding general practitioners,” adds Dr. David
Bazzo, chief medical officer, PRR.
After a doctor completes the program, the PRR team provides job placement assistance in
health centers in desperate need of expertly trained staff. This includes community
clinics, collegiate clinics, industrial clinics, emerging chain store clinics, hospital group
clinics, retail clinics, military clinics and urgent care centers.
PRR has received inquiries about its program from 1,000+ physicians in nearly all 50
states, including U.S. military physicians who have served internationally and are hoping
to secure jobs in primary care when they return home. More than 70 students are
currently enrolled in the program and just over a dozen are either employed or pursuing
employment with the help of PRR staff.
One of those graduates is Dr. Michael LaRocque, who currently is working as an M.D.
with a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Vista, California.
“After running a private urology practice for nearly three decades, I entered retirement
for several years before reading a news article about Physician Retraining & Reentry,”
says Dr. LaRocque. “I always thought primary care was an interesting field, and I was
ready to make more productive use of my free time. By completing the PRR program, I
was able to land a great job that averages about 30 hours per week at a federally qualified
health center near my home. It’s wonderful to be seeing patients again and to be making
an income without the responsibility of running an entire practice.”
PRR is a unique program designed to address the country’s doctor shortage program. Are
you aware of any other programs with the same goals? Let us know in the comments
section.
To read this on the RWHC Blog, click here.