Doctor shortage across the U.S.

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For MSU senior Macy Lockhard she’s the first to receive an admission letter to Wayne State University.

“For me, I’ve always been someone who wanted to dedicate my life to others,” said Lockhart.

Her dream manifested into a reality. However, that reality comes with a price. By the end of the next decade, the U.S. will be short of around 130,000 doctors across the country.

The shortage of primary care doctors falls on the financial burden for medical students.

“Part of their decision of what specialty to go into is based upon their ability to pay back their debt,” said MSU Family Medicine Residency Director Randy Pearson.

Dr. Pearson said there’s no secret specialty doctors receive significantly more than primary doctors.

“There needs to be an equality there. Otherwise you’ll find college graduates who can’t find a residency spot or go into a specialty they may not want to,” said Dr. Pearson.

There is even more scarcity in underserved areas.

“I’m from Flint, I’ve always wanted to work with underserved people,” said Lockhart.

Lockhart understands the issue first hand, however, it doesn’t scare her.

“These people really need someone, and I guess I feel like I needed to be that person,” said Lockhart.

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