A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide which Specialties and States to Target for GME Expansion
Product: publication in Health Services Research
Authors: Erin Fraher, PhD, MPP; Andy Knapton, MS; Mark Holmes, PhD
Conclusions and Policy Implications
1) This analysis proposes an objective, evidence-based methodology for allocating GME positions that could be used as the starting point for discussions about GME expansion.
2) The methodology, based on data from a workforce projection model, uses a case example to show how the proposed 3,000 new PGY1 GME slots should be allocated by specialty and state to meet population health needs.
3) The methodology allocates a large absolute number of positions to states that have the worst health outcomes and high demand for health care—Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas (United Health Foundation 2016). Western states with relatively few GME positions relative to population size—Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska and Nevada—gained a large percentage increase in positions and states with aging populations (Florida) and large, growing populations (California and Texas) received a large number of new positions.