could increase by nearly 20% over the next several years to help meet the rising demand for new doctors. During the 1980s and 1990s, only one new med school opened in the U.S. (which currently has 131 medical schools), resulting in hospitals turning to foreign-educated physicians to fill openings.

 

But universities across the country are now developing plans to found schools of medicine, including UC Riverside in California, Hofstra University in New York, Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Central Michigan University, and Rowan University in New Jersey.

 

“Huge numbers of qualified American kids were not getting into American medical schools or going abroad to study,” Dr. Lawrence Smith, dean of the proposed Hofstra University School of Medicine, told The New York Times. “I think it was a kind of wake-up call.”

 

Demand for doctors is growing for several reasons. As many as one-third of all current physicians is expected to retire in the near future, while the aging of the Baby Boomers will expand the need for medical services. Also, if the federal government does adopt some kind of healthcare reform plan, this too could enlarge the demand for doctors and medical care once more Americans gain access to health insurance.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Expecting a Surge in U.S. Medical Schools (By Anemona Hartocollis, New York Times)

U.S. Medical Schools (Association of American Medical Colleges)