An aging population and the Affordable Care Act help ensure the demand for physician assistants, physical therapists and other health care providers will continue, says Hugh Bonner, the former dean of Upstate Medical University’s College of Health Professions.
“Between 2000 and 2030, we will double the population of those 65 and older. We’ll go from essentially 35 million to 70 million people. That population also has a large number of individuals with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes,” Bonner says.
In addition, he pointed out that about 10 million uninsured people got health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and as those people seek care, more providers are likely to be needed.
Also on this week's show: Dr. Andrew Gurman, an Upstate graduate, talks about health care issues he faces as the next president of the American Medical Association -- plus, modern options for pain relief.