Congress Takes Aim at Physician Shortage with New Residency Expansion Bill

The United States is projected to face a significant physician shortage by 2036, with an estimated deficit of 86,000 doctors, particularly in primary care and mental health. The shortage stems from a cap on Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) slots established in the 1990s, which has failed to keep pace with population growth and changing demographics. In response, bipartisan legislation, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, aims to add 14,000 GME positions over seven years, focusing on training in underserved areas. This initiative highlights the urgent need for enhanced physician training programs to improve healthcare access amid shifting patient needs.

Opens on AMA