Panels address physician shortage in Maryland

Maryland-based medical officials are working on two reports on ways to deal with a severe physician shortage in Southern Maryland that is predicted to get worse, with many area doctors expected to retire by 2015. The collaboration stems from a report this year by the Maryland Hospital Association and the Maryland State Medical Society that warned of dire shortages. Physicians, elected leaders and hospital administrators from three regions are serving on two task forces, the Task Force to Review Physician Shortages in Rural Areas and the Task Force on Health Care Access and Reimbursement. The panels are expected to present recommendations to the governor later this year.