An AAMC-supported bipartisan congressional resolution designating Oct. 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day (H.Res. 1589) was introduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-Calif.) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) on Sept. 28. The resolution raises awareness of the projected growth of the Latino population by 2050, while also noting that Latino and Latina physicians represented just 6.7% of the physician workforce in 2024. The resolution further cites AAMC projections that the United States will face a persistent physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036 (PDF), and supports the goals of increasing the number of Latino and Latina physicians in the United States.
Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, AAMC chief public policy officer, was quoted in Ruiz’s corresponding press release as saying, “The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is proud to support National Latino and Latina Physician Day and thanks Rep. Ruiz and Rep. Salazar for their bipartisan work in highlighting the work of physicians critical to improving the health of patients and communities nationwide. As the nation faces a persistent physician shortage, we must support policies that increase access to careers in medicine for future Latino and Latina physicians, and everyone in the next generation of doctors.”