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Legislation to Alleviate Doctor Shortage

Congressman Schock's Office

An Illinois Congressman has introduced legislation that he says will help alleviate an upcoming doctor shortage.Republican Aaron Schock's bill would increase the number of federally funded hospital residency slots by 15,000 in the next five years.

He said even though Congress has increased the number of slots over the last ten years, even more are needed.

The legislation appears to be bipartisan as Rep. Schock introduced the bill with Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).

John  Maguire is a spokesman for McDonough District Hospital.

He says as baby boomers retire, many more senior citizens will require healthcare and that isn’t the only factor putting stress on the system.

"You still have to look to the future and say well perhaps Doctor 'So and So' might be retiring when he approaches the age of 65 or if not retiring perhaps curtailing the amount of hours he wishes to work full -time," Maguire said.

The congressman’s  office says the cost of the legislation, and how to pay for it, are still being discussed.
 

Scott Stuntz is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.