An NYT article that discussed doctor shortages never once mentioned the possibility of bringing in more doctors from abroad. It is far cheaper to train doctors (to U.S. standards) outside the United States and especially in developing countries. If the United States relaxed the barriers that protect doctors in the United States from foreign competition then the gains to the economy would vastly exceed the gains from opening up trade in textiles, cars, steel or other areas. Unfortunately, the United States continues to be heavily protectionist when it comes to doctors and other health care professionals. This fact should be noted in reporting.
--Dean Baker