Doctor shortage linked (maybe) to malpractice suits

BY JUSTINE McGUIRE
Capital News Service
LANSING — There is consensus that a statewide doctor shortage exists in some specialties, but how to fix the problem is contentious. Some physicians suggest that making it more difficult to sue emergency room doctors and hospitals for medical malpractice will encourage recruitment, while plaintiffs’ lawyers say it all comes back to money and that immunity from malpractice suits would cause more problems than it would solve. States with onerous liability laws “have a difficult time attracting physicians in general, especially those physicians who may have higher exposure like the obstetricians, neurosurgeons and emergency doc,” said Kenneth Elmassian, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, or MSMS.
A bill working its way through the House would raise the bar for suing an emergency room doctor. A plaintiff would have to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the physician was grossly negligent — meaning the doctor showed a conscious disregard for the patient’s welfare. Current law sets the standard of proof to show negligence at preponderance of the evidence, which means that the allegation is more likely to be true than not.

Federal grant may help Michigan doctor shortage

By ANJANA SCHROEDER
Capital News Service
LANSING — A federal grant may be a piece of the solution to the state’s doctor shortage. Chris Allen, chief executive officer of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, said $21 million of a $231 million federal grant was allocated to fund 85 new primary care positions in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology and geriatrics. “Using the emergency room for primary care is not the way to go,” Allen added. The three-year grant for resident physician rotations are in medically underserved areas. The hope is that residents will stay there upon completing their training, Allen said.

Lack of doctors plagues small Michigan communities

By ANJANA SCHROEDER
Capital News Service
LANSING – The state’s physician shortage has an adverse impact on smaller rural counties like Crawford and Roscommon while the demand for physicians nationwide remains high. According to the Department of Community Health, more than 10 counties are categorized as health professional shortage areas, including Wexford, Gladwin and Crawford. These areas have “significant need for additional primary health care resources,” according to the department. Jessy Sielski, director for communications of the Michigan State Medical Society, said the society advocates increased funding for medical residencies in Michigan and support. Mercy Hospital Grayling’s chief business development officer, Bryan Lydick, said its medical staff is comprised of physicians practicing in two counties – Crawford and Roscommon.