Doctor: Budget cut will worsen New Jersey doctor shortage

New Jersey's physician shortage will worsen unless an $8 million budget cut to teaching hospitals is restored, a doctor told the Assembly Budget Committee. J. Richard Goldstein, MD, president of the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals, which represents 10 institutions, was among the first to testify at budget hearings. He said the proposed budget cut to teaching hospitals effectively eliminates funding for 69 medical residents. Goldstein said New Jersey is projected to have 2,800 fewer doctors than the 27,500 it will need in 10 years, and that shortage will be worse if there are aid cuts.