what is the future of family practice in the military?

[Informer]

I am a 3rd year student right now who is really stuck between FP and IM.

I like kids and love clinic, but a lot of people are really concerned about the future of FP with all these NP's and PA's running around

what do you think is the future of FP in military medicine? I know there will be a lot of out-sourcing in the future, but wouldn't FP seem like a great choice to keep in the military?

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[texdrake]

I am a 3rd year student right now who is really stuck between FP and IM.

I like kids and love clinic, but a lot of people are really concerned about the future of FP with all these NP's and PA's running around

what do you think is the future of FP in military medicine? I know there will be a lot of out-sourcing in the future, but wouldn't FP seem like a great choice to keep in the military?

Well, consider most patients prefer a physician over a PA or NP and that in most states PA's can't work without being watched by a physician I don't think they are going to put them out of business....

 

[Croooz]

I am a 3rd year student right now who is really stuck between FP and IM.

I like kids and love clinic, but a lot of people are really concerned about the future of FP with all these NP's and PA's running around

what do you think is the future of FP in military medicine? I know there will be a lot of out-sourcing in the future, but wouldn't FP seem like a great choice to keep in the military?

There's a better chance of getting into FP or IM and being happy as a civilian. There are plenty of states that offer some type of incentive for FP and IM. Every group believes the other is taking work. PA's are as concerned as you are about finding work. I believe you have much less to worry about....ESPECIALLY if you are willing to go WHEREVER to practise.

My advice is to stay out of the military. I can see your point of view but the powers that be want more care for the active duty and that's met with GMO's and ER. Ask around but FP & IM are fields that make about the same in the military so why bother with the military? Your concern is employment and NOT the care of military personnel so that in and of itself should show you that you aren't interested in military medicine but job security.

 

[AubreyMaturin]

My uneducated opinion is this:
Go with IM. There is more flexibility as to what you can do with this in or out of the military. You can subspecialize$$$, or you can set up your own "family practice" in the civilian world. It seems that wether IM or FP, you are a GP either way. I can't imagine it would affect your job description that much in the military either.

I don't know what your military aim/experience is, i.e. HPSP or want to join after college, but IM And FP are probably the only two fields where it is actually BETTER to be in the service in many ways:
- More or less the same money, but military financial benifits overbalance and you actuall get paid a little more
- Job security in the military is probably better, becasue private family practice seems to be hurting these days (although I am sure you would have no trouble finding work as a civilian doctor anyway).
- So...Assuming that the military medicine is what you really want (a completely different discussion) you may be better off in the military

Back to the question...
Go IM for the sake of having more options. As far as staying in the military, I am not convinced that either would give any particular advantage. But again, with IM you could become a particular specialist (probably research oriented, or aerospace med) that is an asset to the military and they may keep you because of this. Also IM probably allows you to do more operational stuff, so this may help. I am not yet in the service so my opintions are only conjecture, I'm full of it.
Good Luck

 

[MMajor]

I've been a military nurse for 8yrs working in FP and IM, just recently admitted to USUHS this year.
From my perspective, there is no chance of the military doing away with physicians in FP and IM. While FP clinics do have a high proportion of PA/FNP staff, there are many physician slots, too. I'm choosing to go with IM vs. FP. Greater flexibility!! FP routes you to an outpatient only environment. IM allows you to work both inpt and outpt. The Primary Care/FP clinic I'm currently working has two IM providers on staff, but either could be reassigned to another MTF for ward-work.

 

[Informer]

In the most recent Air Force Times, there was an article stating that 400 physicians will be cut (done via decreasing attrition rates)

the 3 fields are FP, Peds and OB-GYN.