Sanders Looks to Combat Doctor Shortage With Training Funds Hike

Sen. Bernie Sanders is using his new perch as head of a key health panel to expand the number of federally supported medical residency positions.

Sanders (I-Vt.) announced Thursday he’ll introduce legislation to add 14,000 Medicare graduate medical education slots over seven years, potentially training thousands of new doctors each year.

“This is a solvable program,” Sanders, who is head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee’s health panel, said during a Thursday hearing. “This is the wealthiest country on earth. We can have enough doctors and nurses in the places where we need them.”

Public health ...