Good news! Senator Nancy Barto has reintroduced an important bill that you helped us advocate for last session.
The legislation, SB 1271, would help increase Arizonans’ access to primary care as well as provide options for the thousands of unmatched medical school graduates whose careers are put on hold through no fault of their own. As you likely know, the ACGME, in collaboration with the ABMS, hold a virtual monopoly on post-graduate training. This, along with reliance on federal funding, has resulted in a shortage of opportunities for graduates to pursue their passion for the profession.
A growing number of states allow these graduates to serve in a limited clinical role under the supervision of licensed physicians in the state while they seek a future residency slot.
Already, other types of medical professionals in Arizona are allowed to practice independently without graduating as an MD or DO. So it would be a step in the right direction to permit unmatched medical school grads some ability to serve patients in a supervised setting.
In addition SB 1271 would help increase patients’ access to medical care from physicians. The nationwide physician shortage is increasing at exactly the wrong moment.
Please help support this commonsense reform by sending a quick note to your Arizona State Senator and Members of the Arizona House of Representatives.
You can get your message on the way in a few short steps at the following link: https://p2a.co/dkd9lLq
A hearing on this bill is likely to be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. If you might be interested in testifying please let us know by replying to this message.
As always, thank you for your support of our mission to stand up for the medical freedom of patients and the professionals caring for them.
