4 ms·

> AMA is not the main culprit in supply of doctor's, that would be available spots for residents The AMA has actively lobbied to lower the number of residency

by gaogao 2y ago

> AMA is not the main culprit in supply of doctor's, that would be available spots for residents The AMA has actively lobbied to lower the number of residency spots. > In 1997, the AMA lobbied Congress to restrict the number of doctors that could be trained in the United States, claiming that, "The United States is on the verge of a serious oversupply of physicians."[12] The AMA successfully lobbied Congress to cap how much Medicare could reimburse hospitals for resident physicians

HelloMcFly 2y ago
It was not my intention to defend the AMA, and organization I generally don't like (though I don't think they are villainous either). I will note that you're referencing 30-year old legislation, which I don't think necessarily speaks to the AMA's role or position now. The AMA is not de facto against increasing slots. Please refer to this position from the president of the AMA penned last year: https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/more-medicare-supported-gme-slots-needed-curb-doctor-shortages https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/more-medicare-supp.... They have consistently asked members to support legislation increasing funding for GME positions. But ultimately, their opinion is just that. Advanced medical education required congress to act, and expanding availability of trained professionals requires either: 1) Increasing slots for advanced training one way or the other, which will almost necessarily carry increased costs or 2) Allowing more US-trained immigrants to stay in the US after their education or 3) Creating an easier pathway for trained foreign doctors to practice in the US Do you think there's ANY chance of #2 or #3 happening? In 2021 Congress funded 1000 new positions, the first expansion since 1997. They added 200 more spots in 2023. I imagine we'll be waiting awhile for the next expansion that the AMA actively desires.

by gaogao 2y ago

HelloMcFly 2y ago

It was not my intention to defend the AMA, and organization I generally don't like (though I don't think they are villainous either). I will note that you're referencing 30-year old legislation, which I don't think necessarily speaks to the AMA's role or position now. The AMA is not de facto against increasing slots. Please refer to this position from the president of the AMA penned last year: https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/more-medicare-supported-gme-slots-needed-curb-doctor-shortages https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/more-medicare-supp.... They have consistently asked members to support legislation increasing funding for GME positions. But ultimately, their opinion is just that. Advanced medical education required congress to act, and expanding availability of trained professionals requires either: 1) Increasing slots for advanced training one way or the other, which will almost necessarily carry increased costs or 2) Allowing more US-trained immigrants to stay in the US after their education or 3) Creating an easier pathway for trained foreign doctors to practice in the US Do you think there's ANY chance of #2 or #3 happening? In 2021 Congress funded 1000 new positions, the first expansion since 1997. They added 200 more spots in 2023. I imagine we'll be waiting awhile for the next expansion that the AMA actively desires.