The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) joined 80 members of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition to communicate enthusiastic support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (H.R. 2389 and S. 1302), federal legislation that would increase the number of new Medicare-supported GME positions. A letter of support was sent to U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), emphasizing the growing need for more physicians. Another communication was also sent to Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), to demonstrate broad support to the lead cosponsors in both chambers.
This legislation would specially provide 14,000 new Medicare-supported GME positions for seven years. The coalition contends it is key to addressing the growing physician shortage and improving patient access to care. ACR has long-supported an increase in GME positions for radiology, recently advocating the need for legislation and joining the coalition in similar efforts.
ACR will continue to monitor and provide updates about the legislation’s progress. For additional information, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Director of Government Affairs.