1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

Federal policies limiting student loans for medical education and cuts to healthcare programs like Medicaid and SNAP risk exacerbating doctor shortages, particularly in primary care fields crucial for underserved communities. Restrictions on reproductive rights, vaccine requirements, and evidence-based pandemic response have made many states increasingly unattractive for healthcare professionals. As a result, talented medical graduates are pursuing residencies elsewhere, leading to a brain drain with severe consequences for state healthcare systems and resident well-being. Policymakers must reconsider such misguided measures and instead prioritize initiatives that support and retain healthcare workers. Residents deserve access to quality, affordable care, which requires fostering environments that attract top medical talent.