Mueller Lake Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Questions on Med School
RECEIVED Sun., Sept. 23, 2012
Dear Editor:
In the September 14 [News] article “The Med School Solution,” the Chronicle raised interesting concerns regarding the potential new medical school in Austin. As a native Austinite, recent UT graduate, and current graduate student in public health, I find Sen. Kirk Watson and Central Health’s proposal to utilize Medicaid 1115 waiver federal dollar-matching to be an excellent option to fund the school and its multitude of associated community health programs. In light of the Affordable Care Act, I appreciate the trend toward filling public health gaps at the community level. However, I have two issues with the proposal. First, how will a medical school created in part by the for-profit, private Seton hospital chain remain effectively governed to accomplish community health initiatives? Second, how can a teaching hospital sustain a reliable and knowledgeable primary care physician workforce in specific needy communities (such as Dove Springs)? I humbly suggest structuring an incentive-based system for new medical students, possibly through the subsidization of medical school tuition in return for a short-term contract to practice community-based primary care in Travis County. Also, the input of voters on the health issues impacting their lives should remain at the heart of the medical school’s community outreach.
In the September 14 [News] article “The Med School Solution,” the Chronicle raised interesting concerns regarding the potential new medical school in Austin. As a native Austinite, recent UT graduate, and current graduate student in public health, I find Sen. Kirk Watson and Central Health’s proposal to utilize Medicaid 1115 waiver federal dollar-matching to be an excellent option to fund the school and its multitude of associated community health programs. In light of the Affordable Care Act, I appreciate the trend toward filling public health gaps at the community level. However, I have two issues with the proposal. First, how will a medical school created in part by the for-profit, private Seton hospital chain remain effectively governed to accomplish community health initiatives? Second, how can a teaching hospital sustain a reliable and knowledgeable primary care physician workforce in specific needy communities (such as Dove Springs)? I humbly suggest structuring an incentive-based system for new medical students, possibly through the subsidization of medical school tuition in return for a short-term contract to practice community-based primary care in Travis County. Also, the input of voters on the health issues impacting their lives should remain at the heart of the medical school’s community outreach.
Sincerely,
Kelly Broussard
Kelly Broussard
