MANAGED CARE March 2009. ©MediMedia USA
Medicine is a recession-proof occupation, which is good, since we don’t know how long the current downturn will last. And consider this: The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that from now to at least 2016, anyone with an MD after his or her name will be greatly in demand.
“In addition to job openings from employment growth, numerous openings will result from the need to replace physicians and surgeons who retire over the 2006–2016 decade,” the Bureau reports.
“...Reports of shortages in some specialties, such as general or family practice, internal medicine, and OB/GYN, or in rural or low-income areas, should attract new entrants, encouraging schools to expand programs and hospitals to increase available residency slots.... In the short term, to meet increased demand, experienced physicians may work longer hours, delay retirement, or take measures to increase productivity, such as using more support staff [members] to provide services.”
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2009.