ASA Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Address Physician Workforce

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) joined Senate leaders in supporting S. 2439, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s physician workforce.

The bill would authorize 14,000 new Medicare-supported residency slots between fiscal years 2027 and 2033. 

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States faces a projected shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2037. The impact will be especially severe in rural and non-metro communities, where access to care is already fragile.

Companion legislation, H.R. 4731, was recently reintroduced in the U.S. House. ASA urges Congress to advance this legislation without delay to safeguard the future of America’s health care system.