Shortening Medical Training by 30%

EXPERTS AGREE THAT THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL WASTE IN THE UShealthcaresystem.Thiswastedrivesupcosts,threatensthegovernment’slong-termfiscalstability,suppresses incomes,andreducesresourcesforpubliceducationand other essential services. Similarly, there is substantial waste in the education and training of US physicians. Years of training have been added without evidence that they enhance clinical skillsor thequalityofcare.Thiswasteadds to the financialburden of young physicians and increases health care costs. The average length of medical training could be reduced by about 30% without compromising physician competence or quality of care.