June 25th, 2009

Writes the Pottsville Republican-Herald in an editorial today:

One of the most vexing problems regarding health care access in Pennsylvania is the state’s inability to attract young doctors to practice. The average age of physicians in the state is among the highest in the nation, even though Pennsylvania is among the leading states in educating new physicians.

Just 7 percent of doctors in Pennsylvania are younger than 35, while 48 percent are 50 or older. Over the next decade, about 41 percent of practicing physicians are likely to retire.

The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton will greet its first class of M.D. candidates in August. Part of the reason for its founding is to help establish more young doctors in practice in the region and the state.

Now, an amendment to a bill in the state House would further contribute to that vital cause.

The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Josh Shapiro, would subsidize the tuition of any new physician who practices in-state for 10 years. Any physician who does not practice in-state for the entire 10 years would have to repay the entire loan.

By the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the plan would cost the state government $10 million a year. That, however, is a reasonable cost to ensure broad access to physicians and medical services.

Check out the rest of the editorial.