Why Doctors Are Burning Out, Patients Are Fed Up And Healthcare Is Broken
- gratefulforhealth
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Let me tell you about Dr. Lee, she’s a primary care physician who dreamed of making a difference. But last month, after a 12-hour day of seeing 30 patients, she sat in her office, staring at a mountain of insurance paperwork, and thought, “Is this really what I signed up for?”
Dr. Lee didn’t go to medical school to spend hours arguing with insurance companies or rushing through appointments. She wanted to prevent disease, to build relationships with her patients, to help them live healthier lives. But the system? It’s rigged against her.
And she’s not alone. Nearly 63% of doctors report feeling burned out, according to a 2023 Medscape report. The culprit? Too much paperwork, too little time, and a system that prioritizes profits over prevention.
Here’s a scenario you might relate to: Imagine you go to your doctor and say, “I’d like a full-body scan to catch any potential issues early.” Sounds smart, right? But your insurance company says, “Sorry, that’s not covered.”
Why? Because insurance companies are businesses. They’d rather pay for a $10,000 surgery than a $500 scan that could prevent it. It’s like refusing to fix a leaky roof until the whole house floods. And yearly tests? Forget about it. They’re often deemed “unnecessary” by insurance standards, even though catching issues early could save lives—and money.
I have spent weeks calling clinics to find a primary care doctor to hear they are not accepting new patients and when they do, the earliest appointment? Three months away.
Here’s the harsh truth: The U.S. is facing a shortage of up to 124,000 doctors by 2034, with primary care physicians (PCPs) being hit the hardest. Why?
Medical School Debt: The average med student graduates with $250,000 in debt. Primary care pays less than specialties, so many doctors choose more lucrative fields.
Residency Bottleneck: In 2022, 22,666 students enrolled in medical schools, but there aren’t enough residency slots to train them.
Burnout: Many PCPs are leaving the field altogether.
Now, let’s shift gears. Naturopaths spend an hour with each patient, asking about their diet, stress levels, and even their sleep habits. “I’m not just treating symptoms,” mine says. “I’m looking at the whole person.”
Naturopaths focus on prevention, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies. They’re not a replacement for traditional medicine, but they’re a great complement. And let’s be real—who doesn’t want a doctor who actually has time to listen?
Okay, so the system’s broken. But here’s the good news: We’re not powerless. Here’s how we can make a difference:
Advocate for Change- Support policies that increase funding for residency programs to train more doctors, especially in primary care, where the shortage is most acute. Support legislation that incentivizes primary care, such as loan forgiveness programs for medical students who choose primary care fields or higher reimbursement rates for PCPs. Reach out to your local representatives, sign petitions, and join advocacy groups like the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) or the American Medical Association (AMA) to make your voice heard. For more information, check out the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) on residency funding and the Primary Care Collaborative for policy updates. Small actions can lead to big changes!
Healthcare is a team sport, and we’re all players. Whether you’re sipping tea, chatting with your doctor, or exploring naturopathic care, remember: small steps lead to big changes.
Let me know if you’d like me to expand on any section! 🍵
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