Mdedge Psychcast

Show Notes Lorenzo Norris, MD, interview with Robert McCarron, DO, at the American Psychiatric Association meeting (#APAAM19) Dr. McCarron is vice chair of education and integrated care at University of California, Irvine, department of psychiatry. He is also trained as an internist. Shortage of psychiatrists, other mental health providers About 70% of all psychiatrists are over the age of 50 years and looking toward retirement. This also pertains to other mental health providers, such as psychologists. Implications of shortage People with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) are not getting the care they need. On average, they die 10-15 years younger than people who do not have SMIs. Patients with SMIs have a higher risk of death from illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, and osteoarthritis because they are not getting preventive/primary care. Patients with chronic pain issues are not getting care. In California, physician assistants provide care to many patients, but they get only 2 weeks of instructi