The recession and stock market downturn are forcing previously retired doctors to go back to work.
But, after being away from medicine for so long, some are finding that hospitals and clinics aren’t willing to take them back with open arms.
Malpractice coverage will be higher for these physicians, and indeed, a cited gastroenterologist commented that “he couldn’t get liability coverage because he hadn’t done an endoscopy in three years.”
Of course, if they want a guaranteed job, primary care is the place to be. Locum tenens companies all report that generalist positions are in the highest demand.
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- Expect more primary care work under an Obama health plan
- Rationing health care by waiting times, or by cost
- Should specialists be re-trained as primary care physicians?
- Think you’re waiting long for a doctor now
- Free immigration of physicians
- Grim times ahead for physicians
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{ 3 comments }
Retired Physicians re-entering workforce will have significant challenges to face:
1) Many hospitals now require Board Certifications for privileges.
2) To be able to do procedures in a hospital, a list of recent minimum numbers of procedures done is required.
3) Electronic Medical Records are making big headway in major health systems – needs computer literacy.
I think locums is the best place for these retired physicians to reenter. The other place which would benefit from the vast experience of these physicians is the Academics. Since academic hospitals have seen a gradual efflux of talented physicians in the recent years.
How are we treating women physicians who take a year or two off for childbearing?
Do they have to go back and take SPEX or similar?
I really don’t know, haven’t paid attention.
Should we do something similar with recently-retired docs who want to un-retire?
Social Security Administration/ODAR is seeking semi or retired physicians to appear at Disability Hearings. We pay $160.00 per case and there may be 5 cases in one day. We have very old cases and backlogs. We are in need of all specialties in the medical field and are in desperate need of physicians to help us. You can contact me for further info at 312-886-5237. Can you help us? I am open for any ideas you may have to help me recruit. Thanks.
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