Solving the VA Physician Shortage Problem: The Right Thing to Do

Altruism

Whether a person is a Republican, Democrat, or independent, we all sincerely appreciate the sacrifice that veterans provide to protect our nation through the ages. Regardless if one agrees with the objective of a particular war or not, our veterans served at the command of the presidents from both major parties. Veterans simply serve their country with their lives on the line. Since World War I, 116,516 World War I, 405,399 World War II, 54,246 Korean War, 90,220 Vietnam War, and 4,424 Operation Iraq Freedom U.S. soldiers and military personnel have died for our country during active duty.^11,12 In addition, many more veterans experienced permanent injuries and illness while protecting our country and our freedom.^11,12 Is it too much to ask our graduated residents, albeit a tiny percentage, to share some of the burden to care for our national heroes for just 1 year? I certainly do not think so.

One possible way to raise national awareness of the need for veteran health care is to make this issue a national service obligation, much like that of military service. We could promote the concept in a slogan, such as “The soldiers’ obligation: Serve the nation in the front lines; the nation’s obligation: Provides care when soldiers return home.” Volunteerism is the preferred method of military recruitment. However, if voluntary enlistment does not fulfill the military need, drafting may be the next necessity. The same logical argument can be used to promote the solution for the VA physician shortage.

Although I’ve focused on the solution for physicians, the same process can be expanded for the shortage of nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care providers. That way, the VA patient would receive even better care.

I’ve served as a part-time VA physician for 25 consecutive years, and I have gladly provided care for our veterans and would be delighted to welcome our graduating residents in joining me and other dedicated VA physicians in this noble effort. As one Chicago VAMC banner beautifully depicted, “Honored to serve … those who served” (Figure), this is, indeed, the right thing to do.