In a shocking move, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today that it will reduce the minimum education requirements for becoming a licensed physician from four years of medical school and three years of residency to just six months of online training.
The decision, which was hailed by some as a bold step to address the chronic shortage of doctors and nurses in the country, was met with outrage and disbelief by many medical professionals and experts.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” said Dr. Angela Lee, president of the American Medical Association. “How can anyone expect to learn the complex skills and knowledge needed to diagnose and treat patients in such a short time? This will put millions of lives at risk.”
According to the new policy, anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in an online course that covers basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skills. Upon completion of the course, which costs $9.99 per month, students will receive a certificate that qualifies them to practice medicine in any state.
The course provider, MedXpress.com, claims that its curriculum is “based on cutting-edge research and best practices” and that its graduates will be “ready to face any challenge in the health care system.”
“We are proud to partner with HHS in this innovative initiative,” said Tom Jones, CEO of MedXpress.com. “Our mission is to make quality health care accessible and affordable for everyone. By lowering the barriers to entry for aspiring doctors, we are creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that can meet the needs of our diverse and inclusive population.”
HHS Secretary John Smith defended the policy as a “necessary measure” to address the unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has overwhelmed hospitals and clinics across the nation.
“We have no choice but to act fast,” Smith said. “We cannot afford to wait for years for more doctors to graduate from traditional medical schools. We need more hands on deck now. Our online program will provide an alternative pathway for talented individuals who want to serve their communities and save lives.”
Smith added that he himself has enrolled in the online course and plans to become a doctor by next summer.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid. Now I can finally fulfill my dream.”