I did 29 years in the trenches of general surgery and trauma. I would have liked to have worded another 6 years, but I saw the same thing you did…..I am OUT. I have seen it coming for some time, but, like you, Obamacare made the handwriting clear as crystal. I, we all, bitch about it, but we have done nothing to combat this juggernaut. The shame is, it will come upon most people quiet suddenly. Most people, most of the time, do not need a physician. But when they do,….it will be a maze to run. Only when they have a major medical event in their or their family’s life will they come to understand what they lost. Who is going to develop the drugs or medical devices? Who will pay a billion dollars to develop a drug……that kind of risk will go the way of the dinosaur.
I hear you. Largely agree.
Saw what was coming and quit a hospital-employed practice (primary care IM) about a year ago. Glad I did. Fed up with the changes even then. But am keeping my irons in the fire for now—working part time in a specialty clinic a few shifts per week. Not sure what the future will bring, and I think keeping credentials up to date may provide me useful flexibility when the SHTF. Have you considered Locums?
BTW—largely agree with your analysis of UC clinics. Most around hear staffed with mid-levels. A few are OK. Sorry to hear of your daughter’s experience. Every doc should know when and how to evaluate an acute abdomen. Physical diagnosis 101.