Complexities of Physician Workforce Projection: Call for a Unified National Healthcare Workforce Policy, 2024
Amirala S. Pasha DO, JD, Meredith A. Niess MD, David C. Parish MD, Tracey Henry MD, V. Ram Krishnamoorthi MD, Robert B. Baron MD & Shaowei Wan BPharm, PhD
Summary: This article highlights the need for accurate physician workforce predictions to ensure a sufficient future supply of doctors. Current predictions from non-governmental organizations often lack transparency and may be biased. Despite significant federal and state investments in graduate medical education (GME), these entities have little control over shaping the physician workforce. The authors review both international and U.S. workforce predictions and propose the establishment of an apolitical, data-driven expert panel at the federal level to guide effective workforce policy. This solution would ensure reliable planning for the future healthcare workforce.
SGIM Sex- and Gender-Based Women’s Health Core Competencies, 2023
Janet B. Henrich MD, E. Bimla Schwarz MD, Adelaide H. McClintock MD, Jennifer Rusiecki MD, Rachel S. Casas MD & Deborah Gomez Kwolek MD
Summary: This paper discusses updated sex- and gender-based women's health core competencies for general internists developed by the SGIM Women and Medicine Commission. It highlights the importance of providing comprehensive care for women and gender-diverse individuals, integrating advances in medical knowledge, and acknowledging health disparities. The competencies address essential areas such as reproductive health, cancer prevention, and transgender care, aiming to prepare internists to meet the diverse needs of these populations throughout their lifespans.
Telehealth Policy, Practice, and Education: A Position Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine, 2023
Chen, A., Ayub, M.H., Mishuris, R.G. et al. Telehealth Policy, Practice, and Education: a Position Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine. J GEN INTERN MED 38, 2613–2620 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08190-8
Summary: Telehealth services, specifically telemedicine audio-video and audio-only patient encounters, expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic through temporary waivers and flexibilities tied to the public health emergency. Early studies demonstrate significant potential to advance the quintuple aim (patient experience, health outcomes, cost, clinician well-being, and equity). Supported well, telemedicine can particularly improve patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and equity. Implemented poorly, telemedicine can facilitate unsafe care, worsen disparities, and waste resources.
SGIM Statement on Reproductive Rights, 2021
Summary: In alignment with our mission, SGIM firmly opposes any restrictions on access to reproductive health care. We are committed to promoting training, research, and clinical innovation in reproductive health within the general internal medicine community.
SGIM Policy Statement on Tackling Racism in Medical Education, 2021
Ufomata E, Merriam S, Puri A, Lupton K, LeFrancois D, Jones D, Nemeth A, Snydman LK, Stark R, Spagnoletti C. A Policy Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine on Tackling Racism in Medical Education: Reflections on the Past and a Call to Action for the Future. J Gen Intern Med. 2021 Apr;36(4):1077-1081. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06445-2. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PMID: 33483823; PMCID: PMC8042052.
Summary: This policy paper addresses the pervasive structural racism in medical education, urging for targeted anti-racist curricula. It traces historical exclusion of Black Americans, identifies current racial disparities in medical education, and criticizes existing diversity efforts for overlooking systemic issues. The authors propose multidimensional strategies to combat racism in medical education, emphasizing cultural humility, faculty development, and curriculum reform.
SGIM Position on Social Risk & Equity in Medicare's Mandatory Value-Based Payment Programs, 2021
Chen A, Ghosh A, Gwynn KB, Newby C, Henry TL, Pearce J, Fleurant M, Schmidt S, Bracey J, Jacobs EA. Society of General Internal Medicine Position Statement on Social Risk and Equity in Medicare's Mandatory Value-Based Payment Programs. J Gen Intern Med. 2022 Sep;37(12):3178-3187. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07698-9. Epub 2022 Jun 29. PMID: 35768676; PMCID: PMC9485310.
Summary: This position statement highlights concerns regarding Medicare value-based payment programs, citing inequities that penalize safety-net systems caring for vulnerable populations. Recommendations include immediate peer grouping adjustments, short-term use of area-level indices, and long-term research on social risk adjustment methods, aiming to address disparities and improve equity.
Strategy to Reduce Firearm-Related Injury and Death, 2020
Powell, R.E., Sacks, C.A. A National Research Strategy to Reduce Firearm-Related Injury and Death: Recommendations from the Health Policy Research Subcommittee of the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM). J GEN INTERN MED 35, 2182–2185 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05850-x
Summary: This paper outlines a comprehensive national research strategy aimed at reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths. It is a culmination of recommendations from the Health Policy Research Subcommittee of SGIM.
SGIM Position on Internists' Role in Social Determinants of Health, 2020
Byhoff E, Kangovi S, Berkowitz SA, DeCamp M, Dzeng E, Earnest M, Gonzalez CM, Hartigan S, Karani R, Memari M, Roy B, Schwartz MD, Volerman A, DeSalvo K; Society of General Internal Medicine. A Society of General Internal Medicine Position Statement on the Internists' Role in Social Determinants of Health. J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Sep;35(9):2721-2727. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-05934-8. Epub 2020 Jun 9. PMID: 32519320; PMCID: PMC7459005.
Summary: In this position statement, The Society of General Internal Medicine advocates for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), recognizing their profound impact on health outcomes. SGIM proposes comprehensive actions across medical practice, leadership, education, research, and advocacy to address SDOH, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
SGIM Position on Physician Participation in Torture, 2018
Summary: In this position statement, The Society of General Internal Medicine firmly opposes physician participation in torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. SGIM asserts that healthcare professionals should not facilitate or participate in such practices and must prioritize patient well-being over external objectives, as outlined in international humanitarian and human rights law.
SGIM White Paper on E&M Service Codes, 2015
Summary: This white paper delves into the pressing need for the redefinition and revaluation of the outpatient Evaluation and Management (E&M) service codes. It also discusses the development of new documentation expectations.
SGIM Policy Paper on Reforming Graduate Medicine Education Funding, 2014
Jackson A, Baron RB, Jaeger J, Liebow M, Plews-Ogan M, Schwartz MD; Society of General Internal Medicine Health Policy Committee. Addressing the nation's physician workforce needs. The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) recommendations on graduate medical education reform. J Gen Intern Med. 2014 Nov;29(11):1546-51. Doi: 10.1007/s11606-014-2847-4. Epub 2014 Apr 15.
Summary: This policy paper provides recommendations for graduate medicine education funding. Topics include workforce analysis, funding mechanisms, transparency, competency-based curriculum accountability, right-sizing the distribution of physician specialties, and educational innovation. The paper has been recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
SGIM Position on Pay for Performance, 2009
Summary: In this position statement, The Society of General Internal Medicine asserts that the ethical considerations surrounding pay-for-performance in healthcare demand alignment with patient welfare and quality care. Current systems lack adequate safeguards, raising concerns about potential harm to patients and professionals. SGIM advocates for pilot testing small-scale programs with rigorous safeguards, alongside consensus-building on responsibilities, valid quality measures, and careful evaluation for future systems.
