In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that builds upon the findings of two prior House resolutions that directed the Joint State Government Commission to examine how the Commonwealth’s 10 (soon to be 11) medical schools are addressing the growing need for primary care physicians in Pennsylvania.

House Resolution 735 of 2014 and House Resolution 625 of 2020 resulted in comprehensive reports that continue to inform public policy related to Pennsylvania’s physician workforce—particularly the critical role of primary care physicians. These findings underscore a clear and consistent conclusion: communities with an adequate supply of primary care physicians experience better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

Urban and rural communities with sufficient access to primary care physicians have lower infant mortality rates, higher birth weights, and immunization rates that meet or exceed national benchmarks. Beyond maternal and infant health, a strong primary care physician workforce is associated with lower overall mortality, increased life expectancy, and improved management of high-cost chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Greater access to primary care physicians also reduces preventable hospitalizations and emergency department utilization, ultimately lowering healthcare spending through better prevention and care coordination. Additionally, primary care physicians play a vital role in increasing cancer screening rates, enabling early diagnosis, and serving as the front line for identifying and managing mental and behavioral health conditions. Despite these benefits, many regions of Pennsylvania, particularly rural and underserved communities, continue to face shortages of primary care physicians.

This resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a follow-up study evaluating how medical schools are promoting primary care careers, incorporating primary care experiences into their curricula, and preparing students to meet the Commonwealth’s workforce needs. It also examines efforts to improve diversity within the physician pipeline, recognizing the importance of a workforce that reflects the populations it serves, and strengthens access to care in underserved communities.

By better understanding how medical education influences specialty choice, we can develop more effective, data-driven policies to strengthen Pennsylvania’s primary care physician workforce and improve health outcomes statewide.

I respectfully ask you to join me in supporting this important initiative by co-sponsoring this resolution.