# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that designates June 10-14, 2024 as "Academic Medicine Week" to honor the work of medical schools, teaching hospitals, and research institutions across the country. Think of it like declaring a national week to celebrate something important—it's not a law that changes anything, but rather Congress saying "we recognize and appreciate this." The resolution was introduced in June 2024, so this week has already passed.

The resolution highlights what academic medicine institutions do: they train doctors and medical students, conduct medical research, treat complex patients, and work with communities to improve health. The bill emphasizes that these institutions are major economic engines, contributing over $728 billion to the economy and supporting more than 7 million jobs. It also points out that about 60 percent of all research funded by the National Institutes of Health happens at these academic medical centers, and they train over 70 percent of medical residents in the country.

Beyond just celebrating, the resolution makes a broader argument for why Congress should continue funding these institutions. It warns that the country faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036 due to an aging population, and it suggests that medical schools need more support to train enough physicians, especially in rural and underserved areas. The resolution also emphasizes the long partnership between these medical institutions and the Veterans Affairs system, which has trained about 70 percent of all U.S. physicians.

In practical terms, this resolution doesn't create new laws or directly change anyone's life, but it signals Congressional support for continued government funding of medical education, research, and training programs. It's essentially Congress saying these institutions matter and deserve investment.

Recognizing the contributions of academic medicine and observing Academic Medicine Week from June 10 through 14, 2024.

Castor, Kathy

<p>This resolution expresses support for the designation of Academic Medicine Week.</p>