On Friday, March 20, fourth-year medical school students learned where they will serve their hospital residencies. But with tight state and federal budgets, residency programs are being cut.
To practice in the U.S. all new physicians must complete residency programs in their chosen specialties. Because of program cuts, some medical school graduates will not find residency positions.
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects the US will face a shortage of as many as 90,000 physicians by 2025. The shortage will be most severe among primary care physicians, and underserved patients will be the hardest hit.
"Every day, people are unable to get needed care. This is unacceptable. Our nation desperately needs doctors, and we must make sure our student doctors get the opportunity to serve, especially those most in need," said Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, FACS, FACOG, dean and chief diversity officer of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
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