Local Health News and Events in Florida
Florida is a state that has somehow become synonymous with health care. But for a state that has nine medical schools that graduate about 500 doctors each year, it struggles with doctor shortages, ranking 36th in the nation. Out of its 67 counties, 17 have one or fewer pediatricians and 23 have one or fewer OB/GYNs. This week, Healthystate.org takes a look into how residents cope with only one doctor, what Florida is doing to fill the doctor shortage, and how Florida may be missing an economic opportunity.
By Kimberly Vlach – Florida needs doctors. Florida needs jobs. The health care industry is a breeding ground for employment and economic growth. Two birds. One stone. Seems simple,right? HealthyState.org investigates the economic impact that inadequate health care access has on a community and how the state of Florida could be missing out on an opportunity for growth.
By Dalia Colón – Florida is running dangerously low on a key resource. And we’re not talking oranges. In much of the Sunshine State, primary care physicians – internists, pediatricians, OB/GYNs and others who work in preventative medicine – are in short supply. That supply grows shorter every day. Meanwhile, as the population continues to grow, the state is heading for a crisis if residents can’t find doctors. HealthyState.org looks into the grassroots efforts in solving this physician shortage.
The story of Florida’s doctor shortage can be told succinctly with a handful of revealing numbers. HealthyState.org took a snapshot of a few of the statistics. Take a peek at these eye-opening digits.