UAB Synopsis, Vol. 24, No. 11, March 28, 2005
Concerned that the nation may experience a physician shortage in the next few decades, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommended on February 23 that enrollment in U.S. medical schools be increased 15% by 2015; this would result in an additional 2,500 MD graduates per year.
The association also recommended removal of the current restriction on the number of residency and fellowship positions funded by Medicare to ensure that new U.S. medical school graduates can complete graduate medical education.
A survey of medical school expansion plans by AAMC's Center for Workforce Studies in late 2004 shows many medical schools have already begun to increase class size. Of the 118 allopathic schools that responded to the survey, 31% indicated they were "definitely" or "probably" going to boost first-year enrollment over the next several years. The Center for Workforce Studies will continue to monitor and analyze changes in physician supply and will sponsor the first annual Physician Workforce Research Conference, May 5-6, in Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2005/050222.htm.