Lack of data plagues physician re-entry into practice

(HealthDay)—There are significant barriers for physicians wishing to re-enter practice following a temporary leave and there are not many available resources to aid in the transition, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

The AMA Council on Medical Education (CME) facilitated discussion with stakeholders involved in physician re-entry to identify the demand for re-entry resources.

The CME found that there is a lack of data as to how many physicians leave and return to clinical work, as well as the best process for re-entry. Re-entry programs can be costly, vary state by state, and offer no standardized curricula; official accreditation process; or comprehensive database detailing program structure, requirements, or outcomes. The AMA is committed to examining and improving the re-entry process through advancing research on re-entry into clinical practice; creating common guidelines for state medical boards to follow; and encouraging states to collect data on inactive physicians.

"Physicians who have been out of the clinic for some time may be less confident in their skills, or may need more education, or even monitoring of their practice, in certain areas that have advanced during their leave," according to the AMA news release.