By Marcus Rayner | Asbury Park Press, to the Editor

New Jerseyans are hardly surprised anymore when they need to wait weeks or even months to see specialists in high-demand medical fields. But with the shortage of doctors expected to triple in the next eight years, we are on the brink of a public health crisis.

The Asbury Park Press article Sept. 24, “Are any doctors in the house?” finally sheds light on a growing problem that lawmakers have ignored for too long.

New Jerseyans are hardly surprised anymore when they need to wait weeks or even months to see specialists in high-demand medical fields. But with the shortage of doctors expected to triple in the next eight years, we are on the brink of a public health crisis.

Texas was in a similar situation in the early 2000s, before medical liability insurance reforms were signed into law. Since then, Texas has seen a surge in the number of doctors, greatly increasing the number of patients able to access medical care in a timely manner.

This is a model that can be replicated here in New Jersey if enough residents voice their concerns to our elected officials.

Until then, we will continue to invest time and money educating doctors who leave New Jersey for greener pastures and wait longer to access specialized medicine.

Marcus Rayner

Executive Director, New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance

Trenton

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