Booker Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency of Medical Residency Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the GME Data Transparency Act of 2024, legislation that will require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect attrition data related to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. The data will include probation, transfers, withdrawals, and dismissals of residents from their programs, and the types of residency specialties funded by the GME program, broken down by demographics like race and gender.

"The federal government provides billions of dollars to fund the GME program, and we must increase the transparency around how these programs operate," said Senator Booker. "Currently, most of this data is not collected in a consistent and accessible manner. This information will help us gain valuable insight on where these programs might need change or support, and how lawmakers can act now to help residents complete their medical training."

"The National Medical Association is committed to advocating for safe, professional, and productive environments in which all physicians can receive medical training. Having accurate and comprehensive attrition data (including probation, withdrawals, transfers, dismissals), residency program financial investments, and resident demographics is critical to improving our nation's residency programs. Tracking attrition in this manner will help to identify challenges, areas for support and intervention; it will also help us understand the full financial costs of training residents, leading to data-driven equity and efficiency. The insights gained from these data will certainly enable residency programs to enhance recruitment, retention, and educational quality, ultimately benefiting residents, patients, and the communities they serve," said Joy D. Calloway, MBA, MHSA, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, National Medical Association.

"Transparency is the cornerstone of accountability. The National Council for Residents (NCR) applauds Senator Booker for bringing forth this necessary piece of legislation which can shed light on an underreported and under documented problem of Black resident attrition," said Dr. Paul Johnson, Executive Co-Leader of NCR.

This legislation is endorsed by The National Medical Association and The National Council for Residents.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.