MY TURN: A healthy Idaho means investing in health-care workers

Idaho continues to rank as one of the country’s fastest-growing states and we see the effects of that daily. Classrooms are more crowded, rush hours are real and housing costs are through the roof. 

Kudos to Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature for tackling some of these challenges head-on. We have seen historic investments in education. Funding for roads and bridges is at record levels. But more needs to be done to meet the burgeoning needs of a growing Idaho.

Idaho’s health  care system is under extreme duress due to critical staffing shortages of medical personnel. Idahoans are waiting weeks to see primary care doctors, months to get into a specialist and procedures are postponed as financial challenges force the closure of clinics and services. 

Our state ranks dead last in the nation for the number of doctors per capita. With only 86 primary care physicians per 100,000 people, Idaho falls woefully short of recommended rates, exacerbating access issues and impeding the delivery of timely, quality care.

The effects of these shortages ripple far and wide, impacting health care providers and patients alike. Burnout, overwork and challenges in delivering quality care are widespread, jeopardizing our communities’ physical and mental well-being. Longer wait times, escalating costs and diminished health standards threaten the very fabric of our health care infrastructure.

So, what do we do?

Seek Collaboration: Higher education institutions, health care associations, workforce development councils and legislative bodies are joining forces to identify innovative strategies. From expanding medical education to incentivizing health care professionals to serve in rural or underserved areas, Idaho is taking the first steps to bolster health care education and graduation rates.

Increase Health Care Graduates: The health care workforce challenges are not solved overnight. Expanding and filling the workforce pipeline is necessary years before that nurse or doctor can meet your health needs. Expanding our health education capacity must begin now to offset the additional shortages expected from an aging health care workforce and Idaho’s population growth. 

Grow Idaho Residencies and Training Programs: Statistics show that doctors and nurses have a higher tendency to begin their careers where they receive their training. The more medical residencies we can offer as a state, the more likely we’ll be able to keep those doctors in Idaho. Clinical training for other health care workers requires additional time from preceptors who are already stretched thin. Incentivizing and expanding clinical training and preceptorships are an investment in the overall health of Idahoans.

Boost Public Awareness: This year, Idaho voters will have an opportunity to see where the candidates stand on issues important to them. Ask them if they’re willing to invest in the health care workforce that you and your family will one day depend on. With a focus on our health care infrastructure, these strategies can help pave the way for a healthier, more resilient Idaho.

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Brian Whitlock is the president/CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association.