KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffMedical Students Dread Malpractice Insurance Mess

Medical Students Dread Malpractice Insurance Mess
By: Arnold Wyrick

CARBONDALE, IL -- The state of Illinois has one of the highest rates of malpractice lawsuits in the country. It has already forced two neurosurgeons to move out of southern Illinois, but the problem is not just an issue to practicing doctors. Medical students and residents are also concerned about the high cost of malpractice insurance. The issue might force resident Andy Riffey to practice outside the state of Illinois, something he doesn't want to do.

A lot of hard work has gotten 28 year old Riffey to where he is today. Dr. Riffey is a graduate of SIU's School of Medicine, and has one year left of residency training. But finishing isn't the only thing on his mind. "Well malpractice does come to mind, especially with the stuff going on," Riffey says. "What resources will we have, where will we end up working and also the cost of that type of thing." A native of Illinois, Riffey's dream is to go into family practice in his home state. But he's worried about the rising cost of malpractice insurance, and says work needs to be done to make it better for doctors. "I'm glad to hear things are starting to move now. It's later than we would have liked but it's better late than never. I'm hoping things will get changed soon," Riffey says. And Riffey hears those same hopes from fellow residents who want to practice medicine. For now, Riffey's focused on finishing up his residency training. He hopes the issue will get better before he has to make a tough decision. "I have a scholarship requirement that makes me work in Illinois for three years. I'd like to stay in Illinois. I like it here and I enjoy this area, but it's a possibility down the road if I can't afford practicing in the state, I would consider moving somewhere else."