A

SCHMIDT, ELWOOD L. 1931-

PHYSICIAN

A Doctor Shortage

In the rich Permian Basin oil fields of south-eastern New Mexico stands the Jal General Hospital, built in 1961. By 1971 it had fifteen double rooms, an emergency room, and two operating rooms, and it served a community of almost forty-five hundred people. The only doctor in town and the only physician responsible for the hospital staff of twenty-six was a forty-year-old general practitioner (G.P.) named Elwood L. Schmidt.

A General Practitioner's Day

On a typical day Dr. Schmidt was likely to treat patients for duodenal ulcers, upper respiratory infections, possible heart attacks, acute bronchitis, anxiety states, morning sickness, infected knees, temporomandibular arthritis, rashes, gallstones, coughs, and high blood pressure. He might have to perform appendectomies and cesarean sections. Dr. Schmidt admitted, "I like the variety. I don't think I could stand the sameness of the specialties …On the other hand, I know my limitations—in surgery, anyway… I know when to refer, or defer, and knock on wood …—I've never had any serious trouble. I've never even had a malpractice suit."

A Problem of Distribution of Physicians

Dr. Schmidt illustrated the problem of physician maldistribution when he commented, "I was practicing in Slaton, Texas, up near Lubbock, and Slaton was over-doctored. It was full of doctors and I had so little to do I was bored to death, and when the Jal Chamber of Commerce advertised …I jumped at the chance. And now look at me!" He continued, "I haven't had a day off in four months. Solo practice has its satisfactions, but this is just a little too solo."

G.P.'s—A Vanishing Breed? "

I'm not really complaining," he asserted. "I only mean that I'd like to be able to count on a day off every now and then. I truly enjoy my practice. I like taking care of Jal. I like being a G.P.… I think I'm a good family doctor. I think I do my job. But, you know, I sometimes wonder who …is going to take my place? Another G.P.? Not likely—we're a vanishing breed of cat…," said Dr. Schmidt, echoing the increasing problem of the shortage of general practitioners compared to specialists.