The pandemic has made it clear that more has to be done to recruit and train the next generation of doctors.
New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone has introduced a bill that would finance the training of primary care medical and dental residents in communities in need.
“Unlike other residency programs that take place in hospitals,” he said, “this teaching program primarily at community health centers is not permanently funded.”
The legislation would fund 100 new programs in communities in need around the country and create an estimated 1,600 new resident physician slots. For the Garden State, this would be a first.
“New Jersey of course is one of 25 states that does not have a teaching health center program and we want to change that,” said Pallone.
Pallone’s bill calls for a half million dollars in funding over 10 years.
He said funding on a year-to-year basis is hampering the programs.
“When I talk to the ones in New Jersey, the community health centers in New Jersey, where we don’t have one of these residency programs, their response usually is ‘Well, how can I afford to do that, what happens when the money runs out?’ and that’s a legitimate concern,” said Pallone.