State’s cure for doctor shortage goes into effect next week

An innovative law to address the state’s doctor shortage will take effect next week. It’s anticipated to increase the number of practicing physicians in the state, meaning decreased wait times for patients and more access to care.

The Alabama Medical Association said the state needs more doctors just to keep pace with current healthcare needs. 

“The Physician Workforce Act will expand the pool of trained physicians practicing in our state, improve patient access to timely care and put Alabama on the path toward a healthier future,” said Dr. George Koulianos, a Mobile doctor and president of the association.

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Among the key provisions of the law will be a removal of the requirement for an additional test known as the Special Purpose Exam for physicians relocating from other states. It will also allow international medical graduates to apply for a medical license a year earlier during their training. 

State Sen. April Weaver (R-Briarfield), the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need for practical strategies to combat the doctor shortage without compromising on standards.

“If we want more doctors to practice in Alabama, we need to make our state more welcoming to doctors,” Weaver said. “We need to cut unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic barriers that will help us recruit new doctors from elsewhere and retain the doctors that we already have.”

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An apprenticeship-style program for medical school graduates who did not get matched into a residency program will also be established. These graduates can train under the supervision of a fully licensed Alabama physician while they reapply for residency.

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners will start formulating rules for the apprenticeship-like program once the law goes into effect.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270