University of Medicine and Health Sciences Presents Primary Care Spotlight: Internal Medicine v. Family Medicine
Top-rated Caribbean Med School Hosts Alumni Panel to Learn About Career Opportunities & Compensation, and What Makes Each Practice Type Unique
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The University of Medicine and Health Sciences, (UMHS), a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada, has published the recording of a recent panel discussion, "Primary Care Spotlight: Internal Medicine v. Family Medicine." The event featured three UMHS alumni, including Dr. Valeria Fomitcheva, an internal medicine physician in private practice, Dr. Billy Zhang, an internal medicine physician at a large hospital group in California, and Dr. Kristin Miller, who was among the first graduating class at UMHS and currently works in family medicine at a hospital group in Oklahoma. The discussion focused on the differences between family medicine and internal medicine, what a day in the life of a primary care physician looks like in a hospital group versus private practice, career opportunities and compensation, and how the panelists manage their work-life balance, A recording of the event has been posted to the UMHS YouTube Live Events page.
"In primary care, there are loan forgiveness programs that can help you pay off medical school loans quickly." Dr. Billy Zhang, Internal Medicine Physician at Providence St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group in Irvine, CAThe conversation began with a definition of primary care medicine, which covers all aspects of a patient's healthcare. While the scope of family medicine and internal medicine is similar, their roles are distinct. Family medicine doctors treat patients from infants to geriatric populations and manage a wide range of health issues that include health education, preventive care, and the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Doctors specializing in internal medicine work exclusively with adults to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, and are experts in managing complex medical conditions, particularly chronic illnesses that affect multiple organ systems.
'For me, my Internal Medicine rotation really clicked. It's an area I felt confident and comfortable with, and it all started with my UMHS core rotations," said Dr. Billy Zhang, an Internal Medicine Physician at Providence St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group in Irvine, CA. "There is a physician shortage for specialists as well as primary care. In primary care we need to be able to do some of the upfront work, otherwise patients will wait a long time. Primary Care doctors still get to do a lot of advanced medicine, like blood work, testing, and CT scans to help patients."
The panelists also discussed how primary care physicians play a critical role in providing access to care in underserved areas.
"I went from practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma to suburban Oklahoma, where we have a doctor shortage," said Dr. Kristin Miller, a Family Medicine Physician with Mercy Hospital in Yukon, Oklahoma. "I don't do a lot of same-day patients but I see complex cases like heart disease, diabetes, neurological issues, and mental health. My favorite part of family medicine is the relationships I've built over the years. What we do matters."
In addition to comparing family medicine and internal medicine, the primary care physicians discussed the differences between working for a hospital group versus a private practice.
As a physician working with a large hospital group in California, Dr. Zhang notes, "'My day is broken into sessions: an AM and a PM. In either session, it's broken up into new and old patients and Telehealth. Telemedicine created a different way to deliver care."
Dr. Valeria Fomitcheva, an internal medicine physician in Baltimore, enjoys managing her own practice. "In private practice, there's more flexibility with the schedule, fewer governing bodies, and more flexible hours," she said. "I'm compensated by a salary and a productivity bonus."
For primary care physicians considering private practice, Dr. Fomitcheva advises, "Always negotiate your salary, and if going into private practice, ask about partner track."
Since research suggests that 73% of doctors will graduate from medical school with student loan debt, compensation is a significant consideration when choosing a career path.
"In primary care, there are loan forgiveness programs that can help you pay off medical school loans quickly," said Dr. Zhang.
Dr. Miller added, "I make really good money, more than a lot of surgeons, all while doing my family practice. I started out with half a million in student debt and paid it off in just a few years.'
The panelists all described a healthy work-life balance and the fulfillment they enjoy working in primary care.
'You don't always need to be a specialist to make big changes in someone's life," said Dr. Fomitcheva.
The talk was the latest in a series of livestream events featuring UMHS students, faculty, and alumni sharing their expertise on topics targeted toward current and prospective medical students and healthcare professionals. Past events include:
"Rural Medicine: Making a Difference in Underserved Areas"
"Non-Traditional Medical Student Livestream: A Student's Perspective"
"UMHS Women in Medicine: A Conversation About the First Year of Residency,"
"Black Women in Medicine: A Conversation About the Black Experience"
Links to view all past discussions may be found by visiting the UMHS live events and webinars page.
About UMHS
The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS), is a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada. UMHS was founded in 2007 by medical education pioneers Warren and Robert Ross to deliver a highly personalized school experience. Graduates of UMHS earn a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) and qualify to practice medicine throughout the United States and Canada. Students begin their Basic Science studies in St. Kitts, West Indies, and complete their clinical training in the United States. With an unprecedented 96% student retention rate, the vast majority of students that begin their medical studies at UMHS go on to obtain residencies. For more information, visit https://www.umhs-sk.org/.
Media Contact
Megan Leer, UMHS St. Kitts, 619-708-9500, meganleerpr@gmail.com, https://www.umhs-sk.org/
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SOURCE UMHS St. Kitts
