'I am absolutely terrified about the future of medicine'—young docs share fears, along with hope and advice for their peers
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"As a young provider I am absolutely terrified about the future of medicine. Whether it's threatening PSLF, NIH funding, or Medicare – the new administration seems intent on destroying Healthcare." — Doctor on Reddit @Guaiac_Positive
"[F]ind local physicians groups or within your network from training. We really do need to get better at collaborating with each other." — Doctor on Reddit @rayne7
Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.
In a recent discussion on Reddit within the r/medicine community, young healthcare professionals have been expressing concerns about the implications of 'Project 2025' on the future of medicine. This initiative, associated with the current administration, proposes significant changes that many fear could undermine the healthcare system.
Related: 'Chaos will ensue': Docs fear 'nightmare' HHS future
Online discussions spark peer support
One user encapsulated the collective anxiety: "As a young provider I am absolutely terrified about the future of medicine. Whether it's threatening PSLF, NIH funding, or Medicare – the new administration seems intent on destroying Healthcare." Click here to view the post.
The apprehension is palpable among young professionals who have dedicated years to their education and training. The potential threats to all aspects of public healthcare are particularly alarming, as they directly impact both the financial stability of providers and the quality of patient care.
Related: 5 things millennial doctors will never have to deal with@jessicaleighphd Therapy is political. Healthcare is political. Education is political. #Politics #TherapyIsPolitical #HealthcareIsPolitical #EducationIsPolitical #DonaldTrump #KamalaHarris ♬ original sound - Jessica Leigh, PhD
Advice from your peers
However, amid the concern, the community is rallying to share strategies for resilience and proactive engagement. Here's some of the best pieces of advice, from doctor to doctor:
Preserve essential resources: "Start saving digital or hard copies of any online guidelines or literature you use regularly for your practice."
Transparent patient communication: "Be honest with patients about why a medicine or treatment is no longer covered or difficult to obtain. Educate them on the true cause of these changes."
Community building: "[F]ind local physicians groups or within your network from training. We really do need to get better at collaborating with each other."
Financial preparedness: "Get your emergency fund solid. Figure out what’s essential and nonessential ... Living with less is a good mindset to have though."
Related: 10 young doctors name their biggest supporters during residency@imecommunity There will be a lot of proposed Medicaid cuts in a federal level and within red states that will be incredibly harmful. #medicaidcuts #pediatriciansoftiktok #healthcareaccess #affordablecareact #preexistingcondition #obamacare #childhealthadvocate #healthcarepolicy ♬ original sound - Dr. KarlaMD
Hope amid uncertainty
These suggestions underscore a commitment to adaptability and mutual support within the medical community. By taking proactive steps, young professionals aim to uphold the integrity of patient care and navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare policy.
While the future remains uncertain, the resolve of these young doctors offers a beacon of hope. Through collective action and shared wisdom, they strive to protect the sanctity of their profession and the well-being of their patients.
Read Next: Trump’s ‘catastrophic’ decision left these doctors in panic and tears