A shortage in specialty care sends Clark County patients to Portland
columbian.com • • health
Key Points:
- Clark County residents seeking specialty medical care often face referrals to Portland due to a shortage of local specialists, leading to delays and inconvenience, as exemplified by Gwyn Bateman's experience with burn treatment requiring a month-long process and skin graft surgery.
- The ongoing national physician shortage, exacerbated by COVID-19-related burnout and retirements, is a key factor limiting specialty care access in growing communities like Clark County, with projections indicating a potential shortfall of 5,500 specialists by 2036.
- Families like Illana Cour's endure long waits and travel for complex pediatric care in Portland, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of managing serious health conditions without nearby specialty services.
- Health care providers such as The Oregon Clinic acknowledge the frustration patients feel
