The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021
May 14, 2021
The Resident Physician Shortage Act of 2021 was reintroduced by three U.S. Reps. – Terri Sewell (D-AK), John Katko (R-NY), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Rodney Davis (R-IL). This bill will create an additional 14,000 residency positions funded by Medicare. Their goal is to add 2,000 residency positions each year between 2023 to 2029.
The need for doctors has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to increase as the American population ages and our physicians reach retirement age. The Association of American Medical College (AAMC) estimates a shortage of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033.1
This bipartisan bill is similar to others introduced in 2019, 2017, and 2013. Although the bills may vary with the number of requested residency slots and distribution methods, the core issue remains the same – a scarcity of Medicare-funded residency positions created by an outdated cap from the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
About the Author:
Sarah Ottesen
626-656-8312
sarah@gmesolutions.com