Academic Medicine Open Forum

An updated analysis from the AAMC Research and Action Institute shows that the number of new medical graduates from U.S. MD programs applying to residency programs decreased; and that, for two years in a row, those decreases were more pronounced in states that banned abortions compared to states without bans.  

In particular, similar to the trend seen for all residency applicants, the decrease in unique U.S. MD senior OB/GYN applicants year over year was largest in states with complete bans (-6.7%) while states without restrictions saw a small increase in unique applicants (0.4%). 

The examination of two years of data suggests that restrictions on women's health care may continue to disproportionately decrease the likelihood that U.S. MD seniors will apply for residencies in states with the most restrictive practice environments. 

I welcome your observations from the trenches. What are you seeing re: implications of restrictive reproductive health laws, particularly for the physician workforce and behavior of new graduates/trainees?  

Read the full snapshot: States With Abortion Bans See Continued Decrease in U.S. MD Senior Residency Applicants