Become a Chiropractor - Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
Tuesday March 16, 2010
Are you interested in becoming a chiropractor? First you must obtain the necessary degree, a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). Many people think that chiropractors only fix back pain, and while that is a treatment they often provide, chiropractors are trained to treat a variety of issues through chiropractic methods.
Chiropractors do not obtain an M.D. or D.O. degree. They don't go to a medical school, but attend chiropractic school after a minimum of about two years of undergraduate coursework. However, many chiropractors do complete a bachelor's degree prior to entering chiropractic school.
Learn more about how to become a chiropractor and what to expect in your career as a chiropractor in the new chiropractor career overview.
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Thursday March 11, 2010
The Medicus Firm published a study earlier this week about the potential impact health reform may have on the physician workforce. The survey of over 1,000 physicians showed that many physicians foresee a serious decrease in the physician supply as a result of sweeping health reform, and even a decline in the quality of medical care available to patients due to the additional strain on the physician workforce.*
The study was conducted by The Medicus Firm, a national physician recruitment firm based in Dallas and Atlanta. Here are some of the key findings:
- 21% of physicians will try to retire early in the wake of health reform
- Another 8% will leave medicine regardless of their proximity to retirement age
- 42% of physicians predict physician supply will "decline or worsen somewhat" due to health reform, and 14% predict it would "decline or worsen dramatically"
- 54% of physicians feel that the quality of medical care nationwide will "decline or worsen" as a result of health reform.
Obviously, thousands of physicians suddenly bailing out of medical practice may not be a realistic immediate consequence. There may not be enough non-clinical jobs for all doctors who wish to move into other roles. However, it should be of concern to patients, politicians, and health professionals that so many physicians are concerned about the many ways health reform could affect patients' access to care, as well as the quality of care, in addition to physicians' income and careers.
Jim Stone, managing partner of The Medicus Firm, analyzed the results of the survey. "In reviewing the comments and responses from physicians, it is evident that physicians are very apprehensive and uncertain about this issue. The majority of physicians indicated that they absolutely do want reform, but they are very concerned about the current legislation, and what the unexpected impact may be on their practices and on healthcare in general."
Stone went on to say that hospital executives and recruiters need to be prepared for the impact health reform will have on their physician staff. Many physicians are already overloaded with patients and administrative work, and health reform will most likely increase their patient volume and administrative workload. "There may be a 'breaking point' for physicians, where they won't feel that their income is growing at a rate worth the increased stress and hours they are working," he added. According to the survey, many physicians expect their incomes to decrease even as their workloads increase.
As a result of the impact on physician supply and demand, health reform may also increase opportunities for mid-level providers such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).
For more information and analysis of the survey, see the full report in the New England Journal of Medicine.
(*Full disclosure: The author of this column, Andrea Santiago, is also an employee of The Medicus Firm.)
Sunday March 7, 2010
The National Society of Histotechnology has designated March 10 as Annual Histotechnology Day to help promote awareness of careers in histotechnology and medical laboratory science.
According to the NSH, "histotechnologists and histotechnicians combine technical skills with scientific knowledge to perform a variety of tissue-related procedures in various laboratories. These lab professionals prepare and stain tissue to identify bacteria, fungus, cancer, tissue structure abnormalities, enzymes, antigens or DNA for diagnosis by pathologists."
Because histotechnologists work behind the scenes, many people who are researching various health careers may not be aware of opportunities in histotechnology. While histotechnologists and histotechnicians do not interact with patients directly, their role is vital to the accuracy of patients' lab work, which is important for an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment and a successful outcome for the patient.
Histotechnology professionals enjoy a variety of career options including research, clinical labs, medical industry (commercial/corporate work), and may work in a number of different healthcare settings including "hospitals, . . . research labs, veterinary medicine labs, pharmaceutical labs and product development companies," according to the NSH.
The NSH website provides a wealth of information for people interested in the field of histotechnology, including a list of schools offering training programs.
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Friday March 5, 2010
Your eyes have not failed you; however, that unemployment rate of 5.6 percent only applies to the healthcare and education sectors, unfortunately. It seems that some good news on the employment situation is much needed, and healthcare typically provides a bright spot.
Sadly, the overall national employment rate didn't budge from 9.7 percent, and the nation lost yet another 36,000 jobs in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today.
Healthcare added about 20,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate for health care and education is at 5.6 percent. Construction and retail lost jobs, while temporary services showed growth of about 48,000 jobs. Additionally, the BLS reports that the inclement weather may have also affected the employment situation, with severe winter storms causing many people to go without pay for extended periods of time.
John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray, & Christmas, Inc., offers his optimistic insight: "The 36,000 jobs lost in February may be disconcerting for some, but job creation is typically the last piece of the recovery puzzle and it usually takes the longest to develop." Challenger, Gray, & Christmas is an outplacement consulting organization in the U.S. and Canada.
"Our tracking of announced job cuts in February showed the fewest planned layoff announcements since 2006," Challenger continues, "This is a strong indication that employers are turning from a downsizing strategy to one focused on workforce stabilization and eventually job creation. However, it could be six months or more before we really begin to see substantial and sustained job growth."
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