Physician shortage plagues Doa Ana County

The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine just opened its doors. The question is: will all these students go elsewhere after graduation if it means making more money?

Doctors aren’t being paid enough, resulting in a major shortage in Dona Ana County, a local health official said.

Emily Hanka is one of 162 future physicians enrolled at the new medical school in Las Cruces. She says she hopes to one day practice in southern New Mexico.

“There’s a dirth of physicians here so I know there’s a big need and I would love to fill the need,” Hanka said.

Phillip Rivera, the president of Las Cruces Physician Practices, told city councilors Monday providers in Dona Ana County get paid far less then other cities, like Albuquerque.

Rivera said the cost of health care in Las Cruces is high if not higher.

Patients like Mark Benson say they’re negatively affected. Benson said he fears his physician is overworked. “Perhaps five years down the road as we get a little older that’s going to be a deal breaker for us,” Benson said. “We’ll probably have to leave, we’ll probably move to California or Arizona to get better medical care.”

Burrell College officials told ABC-7 low physician reimbursements are also a concern, but they are confident a majority of their students will want to stay in southern New Mexico.

“If someone is strictly motivated by money, those people aren’t really going to be our ideal candidates and you can’t pay people enough to keep them in one place they’re going to be looking for the next highest bidder,” Burrell College Dean George Mychskiw said.

“I’m not as motivated by the money personally. Obviously, I’d like to make money and support myself and my family,” Hanka said.