Over 500,000 Natural State residents – more than one-sixth of our population, in about 50 of our 75 counties – live in an area defined by the federal government as lacking the adequate number of health professionals.

These figures are daunting and could become even more critical considering about a third of physicians in our communities are over the age of 60 and nearing retirement. That reality underscores the immediate and growing need to bolster the medical workforce pipeline in Arkansas. Without an adequate supply of health care providers, the challenge of receiving appropriate care will only increase.

The good news is efforts are already underway to accomplish that task.

One solution I have been proud to champion from the federal level is expanding the availability of Graduate Medical Education (GME) in communities that are rural or underserved. The lack of medical residency positions across the country, but especially in Arkansas, has hindered our ability to prepare future doctors and ensure they serve in our communities. That, in turn, only hinders our families, friends and neighbors’ access to quality, reliable health care.

This problem stems from a federal cap on the slots available for medical residents at hospitals that went into effect in 1997. Thankfully, leaders in Arkansas have come together to recognize this issue and pursue multiple options to correct it. Previously, I have been pleased to help secure modest increases in Medicare-supported GME positions and will look to deliver more in this Congress.

Meanwhile, our state legislature along with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former Governor Asa Hutchinson have also demonstrated a commitment to increasing these opportunities so we can keep more of the doctors who train in Arkansas within the state once they begin their own practices.

Those efforts are paying off. Recently, we’ve learned that more residency slots will be available in northwest and south Arkansas communities. The state of Arkansas has also committed to investing $20 million for future new residency positions at Natural State hospitals and clinics.

In late March, prospective providers finishing up medical school took part in “Match Day” and learned where they will serve as residents. This is an important moment for them, and so far, residency match outcomes for 2025 already represent progress.

I am also proud to be leading bipartisan legislation in the Senate to support and attract the next generation of doctors and medical professionals to our state. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and I recently introduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act to ease financial burdens on medical professionals in training. Our bill would pause their student loan interest accrual and principal loan repayment obligations while they complete residencies or internships.

We also teamed up to author the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act to increase available medical residency spots specifically in areas with physician shortages as well as prioritize placement in the areas with the most need.

In the current landscape, we must encourage students to pursue careers in medicine and lower the financial burden that it entails while also continuing work to recruit more medical students to Arkansas, in hopes that they establish roots and continue to deliver vital care. I look forward to building more momentum with great partners here and my colleagues on Capitol Hill.