Thesis: “Ultimately, the financial factors associated with going to medical school far outweigh the benefits for many students, leading to a shortage in doctors, despite the sharp growth in demand for physicians in the coming years.” The author gives a clear and direct introduction to his topic, making the problem evident.
Ethos: “Facing the possibility of up to half a million dollars in student loans with interest after medical school, I’ve found myself lost, questioning if saving lives is still worth the cost. Unfortunately for the medical field, these thoughts are not that uncommon among medical school prospects. As the cost of schooling continues to rise in the United States, many students from middle and lower-class families have turned their backs on the dream.” The author establishes his credibility by including himself in the group of people he is talking about; this shows that he is somewhat of an “expert” on the topic.
Pathos: “For me, America was supposed to be the land of opportunity, and I believed that if I work hard enough, I can achieve my dreams. Unfortunately, dreams come with a price tag, and the reality of affording a dream education for a dream job only hit me as I grew closer to achieving my dream. The idea of this dream turning into a financial nightmare also afflicts other students.” The author adds an emotional impact to his argument through his personal story, which he relates to other medical student prospects throughout the country.
Logos: “By examining the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) projected ranges for both primary care and overall physician shortages, it can be calculated that shortfalls in primary care physicians will account for between 34% and 40% of overall projected shortages based on the highest and lowest estimated shortage values (‘Physician Supply and Demand Through 2030’). ” By utilizing statistics, the author adds dramatic emphasis to the situation and helps the audience to associate a numerical value with the information.
Kairos: “The major driving force of this growth in demand is an aging population. In the next twenty years, the population of individuals 65 and older in the United States is expected to rise by more than 50 percent (‘Physician Supply and Demand Through 2030’). This spike is incurred by the baby boomer generation now preparing to retire. While older individuals typically have higher medical costs, the baby boomers retiring will also take with them approximately one quarter of the United States’ public health workforce (Leider et al., 5). ” The author demonstrates that the issue is a current one and adds a sense of urgency to the problem at hand.
E110 FA19 Class Blog 