Physician retention appears to be higher

In a Nov. 2 article, "State touts improving conditions for doctors," the Pennsylvania Medical Society asserts that 7.8 percent of Pennsylvania residents remain to practice in Pennsylvania upon completion of their medical residency programs.

We have repeatedly asked the Medical Society to explain this number, since the 2005-2006 American Medical Association report "State-level Data for Accredited Graduate Medical Education Programs in the U.S." shows that more than 34 percent of Pennsylvania's graduating residents going into practice said they planned to stay in the commonwealth to practice.

In addition, two recent letters to Gov. Ed Rendell from the Medical Society said that the governor's Mcare abatement program "has been very successful in stemming the flight of physicians from Pennsylvania ..."

The Medical Society initially said it would look into the difference in the reported residency retention rates, but has not yet responded to our requests for an explanation.

As your article reported, Gov. Rendell is reaching out to the commonwealth's medical students and residents, asking them to consider practicing in Pennsylvania.

He shared with them current statistics showing that Pennsylvania is turning the corner on the medical malpractice situation and reminded them of the excellent quality of life in Pennsylvania cities and towns. Interestingly, time and time again when the governor shares these facts with students and residents, they express surprise and tell him they had no idea of the progress we are making.

If the 7.8 percent figure again proves to be a "creative" interpretation of statistics, then it serves no purpose other than to confuse this important issue.

If the figure cannot be reconciled with the report of the AMA, the Pennsylvania Medical Society should stop making inaccurate assertions and join the governor in working for solutions.

-- JOHN H. ESTEY, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor Harrisburg