Healthcare IT

So much is happening in the world of healthcare IT. Companies are developing algorithms that employ predictive modeling concepts. The health risk assessment (HRA) is incorporating information from labs, health claims, and other objective data. Personal health records (PHRs) are becoming more elaborate and available through popular portals like Google. And electronic medical record (EMR or EHR) systems are adopting standards so they can communicate with payors and consumers electronically. Wow! What an exciting time to jump into the industry of healthcare IT and public health IT. From a population health perspective, the future of healthcare is fully dependent on advances in healthcare IT.

State-specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure

I often meet people who think of the good old days when a medical school graduate would complete an internship (one year) and then become a general practitioner. Many states still allow you to get a license after an internship, but that seems to be changing.

The Federation of State Medical Boards keeps a list of the initial requirements for medical licensure. This list was updated in May 2008 and you can see that many states are requiring more than one year of post graduate training.

http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html

The other important aspect that people seem to forget is: will insurance companies have you on their plan if you have not completed a medical or surgical residency? Short answer = not likely.

Also, can you get hospital privileges if you only complete an internship?

So what are your options?

Pfizer Changes Its Funding of Continuing Medical Education in the U.S.

A very interesting press release:

Pfizer Changes Its Funding of Continuing Medical Education in the U.S.
Support to Focus on Academic Medical Centers, Hospitals, Associations and Medical Societies

Move Eliminates Direct Support for Commercial CME Providers