'Self-employment' not realistic.

I have just read an excellent article by Maureen Glabman discussing some of the serious issues primary care physicians must manage today. (The Physician Executive, Vol. 35, Issue 1, Jan/Feb 2009.)

With a background in pathology and medical management, I presently chair Personalized Health Care (PHC) for the College of American Pathologists. This last October, I participated in the first National Summit on Personalized Health Care and one of many clear messages from the conference was that 21st Century medicine will be a highly integrated affair.

An example is Patient Centered Medical Home, alluded to by Ms. Glabman. Now to my point: I find it a lack of editorial talent to publish the article by Ken Zonies, "Why Primary Care Physicians Should Be Self-Employed." (The Physician Executive, Vol. 35, Issue 1, Jan/Feb 2009.)

I fear Dr. Zonies' view is not consistent with contemporary thought about today's medicine, since evidence is that PHC is not to be denied. Molecular/genomic science and modern medical informatics will impose cost on the physician delivery system rarely supportable by independent private practices (e.g., EMR's/EHR's.)

In my opinion PEJ should spend its well-read pages on forward thinking articles like Diane Shannon's great interview with Mark Chassin, on the truly transformative change emerging science will have on the practice of medicine and delivery of health care. (The Physician Executive, Vol. 35, Issue 1, Jan/Feb 2009.)

Louis D. Wright, MD, FCAP, FACPE

Senior Advisor, PSA/MED3000

Florence, SC