ACC 2009 Survey Results and Recommendations: Addressing the Cardiology Workforce Crisis

The Growing Shortage of Vascular Neurologists in The Era of Health Reform

“…In addition, efforts will be directed toward increasing the Medicare GME dollars allotted for VNs, possibly increasing fellowship reimbursements by 5% to 10% over the next 5 years. 36 Still, current VN positions remain unfilled, suggesting that other unobserved factors are impacting the supply of VN specialists. Perhaps decreasing the tuition debt burden for those pursuing this path might help, but other efforts should be considered by promoting more appealing shift schedules.…”

“…Returning to the cardiology example, reducing the path of training is a potential solution to manpower shortage. 36 It is important to coordinate all these efforts to promote career in vascular neurology with the opening of additional training slots, particularly after all the current vascular neurology positions are filled. Another option is to decrease the immigration barriers for those foreign medical graduates wishing to remain in the United States to pursue a vascular neurology career.…”

“…This approach effectively addressed the supply of cardiologists. 36 We recognize there is no single magic bullet solution for this problem, and that some of the solutions proposed are ambitious and may be hard to implement. But the issue is worth the effort of planning.…”

Advanced Practice Provider Versus Physician‐Only Outpatient Follow‐Up After Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…Increasingly, hospitals, payers, and policymakers are focusing on early outpatient follow‐up post‐discharge to reduce preventable readmissions. The frequency of post‐MI patients receiving outpatient care from APPs observed in our study underscores practice changes in the United States as a result of physician supply being outweighed by demand 3, 20. APPs have become increasingly critical sources of care for MI patients, as well as in many other disease states 2.…”

“…The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that by 2020, there will be a shortage of >90 000 physicians 2. A report from the American College of Cardiology estimated that by 2025, there will be a shortage of 16 000 general cardiologists; and by 2050, the number of practicing cardiologists will need to double to accommodate demand 3. In current practice, frequently cited reasons for integrating APPs into clinical practices include resident duty hour restrictions and a need to improve continuity of care and timely patient access to care 4.…”