Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Pediatric Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Support Reauthorization Act of 2025. The CHGME program supports the residency programs that train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. This bill would extend the CHGME program through 2030.

CHGME is a bipartisan program created by Congress in 1999 to address a gap in federal support for pediatric training. The program has dramatically increased the number of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in the US. There are still serious shortages in many pediatric subspecialties, however. That is why the program remains essential.

Just 1% of hospitals receive CHGME funding and train more than half of all pediatricians and pediatric sub-specialists.

I received my training at a CHGME-funded teaching hospital, and I am grateful that this program is supporting the training of the next generation of pediatricians. Children get their best care from pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD. " As a champion for kids in Congress, I have introduced legislation to improve pediatric emergency care, advance childhood cancer treatments, and keep children safe online. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more children have access to a pediatrician."

"At Seattle Children's, we see every day how essential it is to have a strong pipeline of pediatric specialty providers who are trained to care for the unique needs of children," said Dr. Jeff Sperring, CEO of Seattle Children's Hospital. "The CHGME program is foundational to that effort. Without it, we would struggle to maintain the workforce needed to provide comprehensive pediatric care. We're grateful for Rep. Schrier's commitment to children's health and her leadership in ensuring this program continues to serve families here in Washington and across the country."

"The bipartisan Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program has enabled children's hospitals to dramatically increase the pediatric physician pipeline over its 26-year history; however, serious shortages in many pediatric specialties persist," said Matthew Cook, President and CEO of Children's Hospital Association. "Rep. Schrier's bill is an important step toward ensuring this critical program continues to boost the pediatric workforce and helping children access the right doctors at the right time."

This legislation is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital Association, and the American Hospital Association.