Fix the coming physician shortage crisis by removing the freeze on residency expansion in place since 1997.

There is a looming crisis for our health care system where we will not have enough physicians to care for our citizens. While medical schools have increased enrollment to address the shortage of physicians, residency slots have remained unchanged since 1997 despite the 30% increase in medical graduates. This situation could very well leave many Americans without access to health care and very long wait times. Doctors are looking at situations where they are facing an average indebtedness of $250,000 in student loans and an inability to practice medicine because of a shortage of residency spots. They are qualified medical graduates that have passed all the necessary licensing exams and could help alleviate our physician shortage doomsday scenario but they need to be given the opportunity.