Category — Health Care Jobs

The medical school graduates of the United States and Canada are among the best and brightest of their generation. Why they choose the lofty profession may be for reasons known but to them; although the old standbys of altruism, excitement, profit, and status probably lead the list. The bigger question is why physicians of any age would leave their chosen profession.

Older docs who practiced through the “golden age” of medicine can recall when they were an honored part of the community in a much less litigious society. They could spend their 15 minutes or longer with a patient, hear their complaints, and even discuss their families. They could prescribe treatments, medicine, and tests without getting the consent of a clerk at the insurance company. They worked long, hard hours and were paid for their efforts.

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Guest article by Kristen Fischer

Should a recession occur, health services jobs are among a few careers that will stand on solid ground.

Even though economists say the U.S. is headed toward a full-blown recession—that would be the first in 16 years—almost half of the 30 fastest-growing jobs are in the health care industry. That’s good news for medical assistants, home health aides, physical therapists, physician assistants, medical record professionals and health information techs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says these jobs are more recession-proof.

All sources point to health care as the industry to be in, at least when it comes to job security these days. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state that despite decreases in telecommunications, construction and retail trade jobs, health care employment continues to accelerate. The amount of health care industry jobs rose by 28,000 in December 2007 and by nearly 381,000 during the entire year. Of the growth, 51,000 jobs were in home health care, while 23,000 were in nursing homes—both on the lower-paying end of health care jobs.

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