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Letter from the Editor
What’s Your Motivation?
Last month, I read with great interest reports by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the American Academy of Family Physicians — each of which warned of a looming and devastating doctor shortage. While estimates on the shortage vary, the AAFP predicts a physician deficit of nearly 149,000 by 2020, which could create longer wait times and travel distances to see a doctor, shorter physician face time, and higher healthcare costs.
To help sidestep (or, at least, minimize) the shortage, the AAMC has called for a 30% boost in medical school enrollment by 2018. Still, the future of physician availability is anything but solid thanks to…the almighty dollar.
Even though primary care providers still earn between $150,000 and $200,000 annually, depending upon the region of the country in which they practice, many medical students aren’t exactly being wowed by that salary, especially when taking into consideration the high costs of medical school. Sure, the cost of medical education is sky-high, but should salary be the only factor to consider when choosing a profession?
Clearly not, as Central Sterile Processing Department professionals continue to prove. Each day, individuals like you don your personal protective equipment and find yourselves, quite literally, elbow deep in instrumentation. You neither flinch at blood and bioburden nor falter in the ever-presence of decontam’s high heat and humidity. You don’t buckle under pressure and customer demands, and you understand the importance of certification and ongoing education – even if it means your efforts and professionalism aren’t adequately compensated by your employer. Put simply, you and many of your CSSD peers have enlisted in this profession because you know the impact you have on quality patient care. No question, you’re in it for the right reasons…not for a fat paycheck and frequent pats on the back. And for that, we should all be grateful.
Undoubtedly, the difficult job you do each day warrants more pay, respect and accolades – and we at IAHCSMM sincerely hope that each and every technician, supervisor, manager, and director someday becomes handsomely rewarded for their efforts. Until then, though, you can find real satisfaction in knowing that you and your CSSD comrades truly are the cogs that keep the giant healthcare wheel turning. Your commitment and dedication to quality and safety can make the difference between a positive patient outcome and a negative one.
How’s that for priceless?
