Advocating for the next generation of physicians

The AOA is committed to strengthening the pipeline of future physicians by supporting students, residents and early-career doctors. Two recent efforts reflect this work:

Expanding graduate medical education (GME)

The AOA joined more than 80 organizations in supporting the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S. 2439/H.R. 4731). This bipartisan bill would add 14,000 Medicare-supported residency positions over seven years to help address projected physician shortages of up to 86,000 by 2036, with priority given to hospitals serving rural and high-need communities.

Protecting student loan access

The AOA and partner organizations also urged the U.S. Department of Education to maintain affordable federal loan access for medical students under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21). Without adjustments, borrowing caps and the loss of Graduate PLUS loans could push students toward costly private debt, limiting diversity in the physician pipeline. The letter further calls for interest-free deferment during residency, consistent with the bipartisan REDI Act.

By addressing financial barriers and expanding residency opportunities, the AOA is working to ensure the next generation of physicians can train and serve patients nationwide.