Dr. Manu Mathew
Class of 2012
As a passionate advocate for increasing funding for residency opportunities, I am reaching out to outstanding alumni like you to help address the critical issue of physician shortages across the nation. Despite ongoing efforts, political gridlock in Washington, D.C. has kept the ceiling on residency slots in place since 1997. This limitation continues to hinder progress in resolving the physician shortage. However, there is hope at the state level, where numerous opportunities exist to implement meaningful solutions.
Opportunities for Legislative Action:
While national progress has stalled, there have been significant efforts at the state level to help medical graduates who have not found residency positions. I encourage you to explore the legislative measures that have been enacted or proposed in various states. A comprehensive summary of this legislation can be found in this report by the Federation of State Medical Boards: Associate Physician Legislation by State.
The Growing Physician Shortage:
Recent reports highlight the urgent and growing physician shortage, particularly in states like New Jersey. This shortage is felt most acutely in underserved areas, where the lack of available healthcare professionals exacerbates disparities. A detailed report on the situation in New Jersey can be accessed here: Addressing the Physician Shortage in New Jersey.
One promising solution that has emerged is the proposal for provisional licensing for assistant physicians. This approach offers a way to help fill gaps in the healthcare workforce, particularly in regions most impacted by shortages. In a recent article, Thom and Mathew (2023) explored this idea and advocated for postgraduate licensure (PGL) for medical school graduates who have been unable to match with residency programs. This model could provide a path forward for talented physicians who have completed medical school but are still seeking residency opportunities. You can read more about this proposal in their article: Addressing the Physician Shortage: Postgraduate Licensure for Unmatched Graduates.
A Deeper Look:
For those interested in a more in-depth analysis, a recent study compared the educational paths of medical school graduates and physician assistants, as well as the use of provisional licenses. The findings highlight how both fields can play a role in addressing the physician shortage. The paper can be accessed here: Comparative Analysis of Medical School and Physician Assistant Education.
Conclusion:
As we continue to face a growing shortage of physicians, particularly in underserved communities, it is crucial that we push for legislative action at the state level. Together, we can amplify our voices and collaborate with state lawmakers to ensure that medical graduates who are not able to secure residency positions have a pathway to practice and contribute to the healthcare workforce. I encourage you to read the resources linked above and consider how you can get involved in these important efforts. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare in our country.
AAFP Legislation on Unmatched Medical School Graduates