The Chicago Tribune reported last week (March 27, 2013) that 29 million more people will have medical insurance next year, which will therefore require an estimated 7,200 primary care physicians.
This information comes from a report by Dr. Elbert Huang, of University of Chicago Medicine, and Howard Finegold, an analyst in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
They estimate the huge increase in insured people will lead to about 26 million more doctor visits each year, creating a strain on the resources, especially in economically disadvantaged areas.
Schools like Saint James play a very important role in training doctors for the US. The current limited number of places at US schools does match the immediate and long term need. This report is further proof that our graduates are vital to the US health system.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-27/health/ct-x-chicago-primary-care-providers-0327-20130327_1_primary-care-health-care-overhaul-law