Congresswoman Terri Sewell Champions Bipartisan Effort to Tackle U.S. Physician Shortage
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) is spearheading a bipartisan initiative aimed at significantly increasing medical residency positions to combat the looming physician shortage across the country. Joined by Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Sewell recently reintroduced the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which proposes to add 14,000 Medicare-supported residency slots over a span of seven years.
"This commonsense bill will train the next generation of doctors to meet growing demand," Sewell stated, emphasizing the urgency for improved healthcare access, particularly in rural communities, which she directly represents. Alabama currently faces a deficit of 263 primary care doctors, as confirmed by the Alabama Office of Healthcare Workforce, highlighting the widespread impact of physician shortages.
Nationally, the Association of American Medical Colleges warns that the U.S. could face a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036. The new legislation, which has garnered support from the American Medical Association, aims to create 2,000 additional residency positions each year, with a minimum of 10% allocated specifically for rural hospitals. This initiative will also codify the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program, supporting the establishment of residency programs in underserved areas.
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, President of the AMA, noted, "As more Americans become eligible for Medicare, the demand for physician care continues to rise.” The bill has already been referred to the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees for further consideration.
In tandem with federal efforts, Alabama’s state legislature has enacted the Physician Workforce Act of 2023 to offer training opportunities for medical graduates not accepted into residency programs, showcasing a comprehensive approach to addressing the physician shortage crisis.
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