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- House hearing targets physician workforce crisis
The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the looming health care workforce shortage, including a projected deficit of 187,000 physicians by 2037.
By the numbers: The shortage already threatens access to essential services, especially in rural communities.
- Rural areas have about 60% fewer physicians per 10,000 patients than urban areas.
Our advocacy: The CAP has long advocated for policies to strengthen the physician workforce pathway.
The big picture: Graduate medical education (GME) is central to building the workforce, but funding patterns disadvantage rural training.
- Urban hospitals have received 97% of new GME slots, despite Congress reserving positions for rural areas.
- Lawmakers from both parties signaled support for adding rural residency spots, extending federal startup funding for rural programs, and increasing transparency in GME funding.
Zoom in: Lawmakers also surfaced additional threats to workforce growth.
- Possible Medicaid cuts, a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee for international medical graduates, and tighter student loan limits all raised red flags.
- The CAP joined the AMA in opposing the proposed visa fee.
- We have also raised concerns about student loan caps.