Becker's Healthcare and The Truth About the American Healthcare System

Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Scott Becker, the Founder of Becker’s Healthcare, a leading healthcare media company that offers news, analysis, and guidance relating to the healthcare industry. They discuss the trending topics in American healthcare, the benefits of having hobbies outside of medicine, and the significant problems with the U.S. healthcare system.

• [00:00] Introducing Scott Becker
• [02:44] The Journey to Launching Becker's Healthcare
• [04:50] What You Must Do to Succeed in Your Journey to Medicine
• [07:38] Don't Let Medicine Define Who You Are
• [09:48] The Hottest Topics in Healthcare Right Now
• [13:37] What Scott Would Change About Healthcare
• [16:37] The Big Gap in the American Healthcare System
• [19:52] Parting Thoughts

The Journey to Medicine

Medicine is one of the most challenging yet rewarding career paths in the world. And although the journey is not always a straight line, Scott reveals the three mindsets that will help you become the very best at what you do.

1. Be Clear About Where You're Going

Be clear about your destination. Your journey to medicine needs a GPS. Having a general sense of where you're headed in your medical career provides a guiding light, steering your decisions and actions.

2. Your First Job is Not Your Last Job

Always remember your first job won't be your last. Don't stress too much about having the perfect first job straight out of med school. The journey to use medicine is like a marathon, and your initial job is merely the starting line.

3. Have Hobbies Outside of Medicine

According to Scott, the only way to become the best at what you do is to become a physician and something else. Being a doctor is essential, but it's equally as important to explore other things that define you. The physicians who burn out build their lives sorely around seeing patients. The solution lies in realizing that your medical career is not just about medicine; it's about creating a fulfilling life within and beyond the realm of clinics and hospitals.

The 3 Big Problems Plaguing American Healthcare

There are numerous problems plaguing the American healthcare system. According to Scott, they are all born from three primary issues.

1. The Math Problem

There is a huge imbalance of numbers in the American healthcare system. The American population is rapidly growing, yet the number of medical professionals remains the same. According to Scott, we are a country of about 330 million people with approximately 1,070,000 doctors. The imbalance in supply and demand in healthcare is a substantial concern. The shortage of physicians is the number one reason our country struggles to provide adequate healthcare services to the ever-expanding population.

2. The Thinking Problem

Although physicians are generally considered intelligent, we still face a thinking problem. Healthcare, according to Becker, requires a multifaceted strategy that acknowledges the complexity of the issues at hand. Rather than seeking singular solutions, the industry must adopt a comprehensive mindset that integrates various facets – from technology advancements to the thoughtful inclusion of human caregivers.

3. The Power Problem

American healthcare has a power problem - the disproportionate influence wielded by major players, such as United, Aetna, Cigna, and the former Anthem Blue Cross (now Elevate). The dominance of these major players creates an inherent power imbalance, as healthcare systems and providers find themselves dwarfed in size and influence. This power dynamic introduces challenges in decision-making, resource allocation, and overall system functionality, posing a substantial hurdle to achieving a balanced and equitable healthcare landscape.

You can reach Scott Becker on LinkedIn and check his Website for more details about his work.

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