Analysis of training in internal medicine in Colombia

An essay with elements of health economics

Abstract

In Colombia, there is a significant gap between the educational supply of medical specialties and their demand in health care institutions of varying complexity. This is a serious problem in the case of internal medicine, given its importance in the clinical management of complex patients and diseases, its interdependence with all the specialties and its impact on morbidity, mortality, quality of life and patient and family satisfaction with care.

Thus, this study, using some elements of health economics, develops four topics: i) the introduction, which highlights the importance of internal medicine within the framework of Colombia´s healthcare laws and provides a definition which gives specificity and identity to this specialty; ii) an analysis of this specialty´s supply and demand; iii) health impacts or outcomes which may be attributed to the presence of internists; and iv) in conclusion, a discussion of elements which vindicate the need to improve the educational
supply in this field.