WASHINGTON, D.C. - A congressional committee is looking at barriers for how and where our future doctors get their education and training. Some members call the medical accreditation process and hiring practices a “monopoly,” which leaves behind rural or underserved communities. One of the key witnesses is based out of northwest Pennsylvania. 

“When America's future doctors apply for residency, they enter a closed market controlled by a single accreditation monopoly,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI).  

In a House Judiciary subcommittee, members examined the so called match’ hiring system in the medical field and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The chairman of the subcommittee said ‘the match’ has unrivaled competition, gives medical residents unfair wages and contributes to a doctor shortage. They also claim there’s too many issues in our medical system’s accreditation process.  

“Through mountains of red tape the ACGME decides which programs survive and operate,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.  

One of the witnesses called in to testify is none other than Dr. James Lin, President of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Institute for Successful Living.  

“The current ACGME model while well intentioned has created systemic barriers that disproportionate and harm rural communities, limit innovations, suppress diversity in the physician pipeline,” said Dr. Lin.  

Dr. Lin, who is also a geriatric medicine specialist and clinical professor, testified about LECOM's track record developing our future doctors and the issues about accreditation has on smaller, more rural areas.  

“LECOM education which has trained over [inaudible] residents since 1977,” said Dr. Lin. “It stands as a case study in how rigid and monopolistic the accreditation system is undermining the health infrastructure of America's smaller communities. Despite a proven track record of providing competent, board-certified physicians of whom remain in practice in a 100-mile radius of Erie, Pennsylvania are programs being dismantled not due to agencies and quality but arbitrary and inflexible accreditation policies.” 

Dr. Lin urged congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help reform the accreditation pathway to ensure rural America is not left behind.  

“We can no longer allow rigidity to dictate how or where doctors are trained,” testified Dr. Lin. “The health of rural and undeserved regions depends on a more inclusive and responsive system.”