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.

Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would gradually add 14,000 Medicare-supported medical residency positions over seven years as well as codify the Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program. 

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!