In the United States, a growing shortage of physicians threatens the quality of health care and public health. Lately, investment in new or expanded medical schools is aiming to be part of the solution. In 2024, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected a physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036, citing growing health care needs and the impending retirement of physicians, 42 percent of whom are over the age of 55. Industry leaders point to burnout and restrictions on medical