ACR Engages in GME Day of Action

To highlight the importance of increasing Medicare supported residency positions, the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) participated in a Graduate Medical Education (GME) Day of Action on June 22. Led by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and supported by members of the GME Coalition, the purpose of the Day of Action was to encourage members of Congress to cosponsor the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). This legislation would gradually expand the number of Medicare-supported medical residency positions by 14,000 over seven years.

The AAMC projects that the nation could see an estimated shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. In “other specialties,” including radiology, AAMC predicts a shortage ranging from 10,300 to 35,600 physicians. Other workforce challenges, such as physician burnout and aging professionals, are contributing factors to shortages.

Within the field of radiology, there are shortages of not just radiologists, but technologists and other support personnel. This is especially problematic because radiologists play a central role in virtually every significant aspect of healthcare, improving patient care through screening and detection of disease.

With concerns about current physician shortages, looming new shortages and the threat of burnout leading to more physicians leaving the workforce, investments to increase the number of physicians is sorely needed.

ACR members and other healthcare professionals were encouraged to engage in social media or send messages to their Senators urging them to cosponsor the Physician Shortage Reduction Act during the Day of Action. Members can continue to take action here. For more information on the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Director of Government Affairs. For assistance with the call to action, contact Melody Ballesteros, ACR Assistant Director, Government Relations.