This week, the ATS joined a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in support of a measure to renew the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP). Currently, there are serious national shortages of pediatric specialists, including pediatric pulmonologists, critical care and sleep specialists, as well as disparities in the geographic distribution of pediatric specialists, resulting in many children in underserved areas not receiving timely or appropriate health care. Created in 2010, the PSLRP provides $35,000 in loan repayment per year for up to three years for pediatric specialists who practice in an underserved area.

The letter, led by the American Academy of Pediatrics, states, “Longer lag times between symptom onset and treatment may not only result in poorer outcomes but also in greater costs to patients and the health care system. Support for pediatric subspecialty loan repayment will help ameliorate shortages by providing a financial incentive for trainees to choose careers in pediatric subspecialties.”

The Energy and Commerce Committee approved the PSLRP renewal as part of a larger legislative package called the Empower Act, H.R. 2781, that renews health workforce development programs. The bill now progresses to full House floor votes.