Senate Introduces Legislation Funding Medical Student Clinical Rotations

Bipartisan, bicameral bill would address growing need to expand clinical training opportunities

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – Today, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) applauds the Senate introduction of the Community Training, Education, and Access for Medical Students (Community TEAMS) Act of 2024 (S. 3968). Led by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA), this bipartisan, bicameral bill would create a new Health Resources and Services Administration grant program that funds medical school clinical rotations in rural and underserved communities.

“AACOM thanks Senators Wicker and Casey for prioritizing the expansion of clinical training opportunities in rural and medically underserved areas,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “Senators Wicker and Casey’s leadership in championing this important legislation is a critical step toward more equitable healthcare access for all patients and more robust training opportunities for osteopathic medical students, many of whom aspire to practice in underserved communities.”

“We must increase the available training opportunities for medical students in rural and underserved areas. My legislation would place medical students in rural areas so they can get exposure and experience. The hope is that through this exposure, medical students will stay in rural areas post-medical school. An added side effect is that this provides some relief to providers while medical students are training there. This is a win-win-win for everyone,” Senator Wicker said.

“One of the most critical investments we can make in our underserved communities is to provide quality health care. That requires medical professionals who understand the health challenges these communities face and possess the necessary experience to help patients through them,” said Senator Casey. “I’m supporting the Community TEAMS Act because it’ll help more of our future doctors gain invaluable experience supporting underserved communities and working towards bridging the gaps in health outcomes.”

AACOM has prioritized increased training opportunities for medical students and is excited to have Senators Wicker and Casey lead this legislative imperative. With more than 75 percent of all medical schools reporting concerns about the number of clinical training sites, the Community TEAMS Act would help address the pressing need for expanded physician training opportunities where the majority (80 percent) of patient care is delivered—in community-based settings.

U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Annie Kuster (D-NH) introduced the companion bill, the Community TEAMS Act (H.R. 7258), in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 6, 2024.

About AACOM:

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 35,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 41 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 66 teaching locations in 35 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org