On July 9, ASAM, along with 59 other organizations, sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to include the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2019 (S. 348/H.R. 1763) in the next COVID-19 supplemental. This bipartisan legislation would provide a gradual and responsible increase in Medicare support for physician residency training through graduate medical education (GME) to address the impending national physician workforce shortage.

The letter stressed that physicians are a crucial piece of the country's health care infrastructure and workforce. Unfortunately, by 2033 the U.S. will face a significant shortage of physicians due to the country’s growing and aging population. The letter concludes by urging Congress to support a robust physician workforce to prepare for the next public health emergency and counteract the looming physician shortage. 

Read the letter here.