The medical workforce faces an existential threat. The U.S. will face a physician shortage of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. In rheumatology alone, the demand for care is projected to exceed the number of available rheumatologists by over 4,700 by 2030. Fewer than 5,600 board-certified rheumatologists are currently active in the United States leaving the estimated 91 million Americans living with arthritis and rheumatic disease competing to see a shrinking pool of doctors.

The ACR is asking Congress to promote the growth and sustainability of the Rheumatology workforce by investing in the training of more physicians.

The bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act would increase the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) resident training positions by 14,000 over seven years and specifically supports rheumatology by requiring that at least 50% of the additional slots added each year be directed to a shortage specialty residency program, like rheumatology.

Urge your lawmakers to expand graduate medical education! The ACR’s Legislative Action Center allows you to contact your members of Congress with just a few clicks. Take a moment to send your letter today!