The American Society for Clinical Pathology is asking pathologists and laboratory professionals to urge Congress to address the shortage of pathologists and other physicians.  Pathologists and laboratory professionals are critical members of the patient care team and shortages affecting both of these professionals can impact access to the quality medical services needed to optimize patient care.

ASCP needs YOUR help to get Congress to enact two ASCP-supported bipartisan measures aimed at reducing the shortage of physicians in the United States and improving patient access to medical care:

• The Resident Physician Shortage Act
• The Doctors in our Borders Act

According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States faces a projected physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, with demand for physicians currently exceeding supply. As the population continues to age and requires more medical care, it is critical to ensure there are enough physicians to care for those who need physician services.

The Resident Physician Shortage Act would expand the number of Medicare-supported medical residency positions by 14,000 over the next seven years. The Doctors in our Boarders Act would expand the Conrad 30 program by increasing the number of waivers a state or regional commission can provide from 30 to 100.  The Conrad program allows a waiver of the J-1 visa’s two-year home residency requirement for physicians agreeing to work in rural or underserved areas.