Recent research proposed a forthcoming shortage of doctors all over the nation, especially in areas relating to women’s health. The research indicated that St Louis is among the ten major cities that this will affect.  Although local doctors stated that they are functioning such that their ability to cater to patients won’t be affected by this shortage.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists made a projection that by 2020, obstetricians and gynecologists will be scarce which will continually grow into 2050. Doximity, a social media network for health care experts further investigated this research in order to know the reason behind it.

It was indicated in the research that the common age when individuals practice OB-GYN is older than some medical practitioners and OB-GYN has a high tendency of early retirement.

The Managing Director, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health at St. Louis University, Mary McLennan, stated that although lots of women start to enter into the discipline, they end up quitting later on to start a family.

A study from Doximity also indicated that OB-GYN usually have huge participation that is almost comparable to emergency room doctors.

McLennan also stated that many rash decisions are made which usually result badly for the child or the mother. This also affects the physician.

The Managing Director, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Hospital, Craig Boyd stated that an approximate number of 6,000 babies were given birth to in 2017 at Mercy Hospital in the presence of 100 full-time OB-GYN and 24 residents.

There were up to about 7500 births that same year at the five hospitals of SSM Health where babies were given birth to. 3,400 of the births at St Mary’s Hospital had over 41 doctors in attendance who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.

Craig and McLennan pointed out that there must be a balance between office work, surgery, delivery requirements and even labor for an OBY-GYN to be successful. However, the high workload does not affect candidates from studying at St Louis University

Boyd stated that they usually have 6 annual resident vacancies, where between 200 to 300 applications are usually received for the 6 available slots. McLennan stated that they regularly receive a very high amount of application for residencies through St Louis University.

Both hospitals are currently not concerned about the shortage and are both trying to avoid the anticipated shortage by planning on how they retain and recruit staff.

Boyd stated that there is a need to adjust and work the current administration in order to focus on the aging physician and have developed some creative methods of doing so.

McLennan indicated that possible candidates who are from or connected to the Midwest are being targeted and will finally reside in the environment on completion of their residency.

McLennan and Boyd stated that their hospitals have started offering part-time hours, and looking to hire midwives, laborists, and nurses who can reduce the pressure placed on doctors while giving patients the best possible care.

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