ASE Joins Letter in Support of the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act

On March 16, ASE joined the National Rural Health Association and other medical organizations in a letter to Representatives Miller, Tokuda, Smith, and Carter expressing strong support for the Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2025 (H.R. 6468). The bill would authorize a dedicated funding line for the Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) program, which since 2019 has supported the creation of rural residency programs by covering start-up costs, accreditation, faculty development, and recruitment to train and retain physicians in underserved rural areas.

Physician shortages in rural communities directly impact access to specialized cardiovascular care, including echocardiography services. By expanding residency training opportunities in rural settings, H.R. 6468 would help build a physician workforce equipped to deliver essential cardiac imaging and diagnostics where they are most needed. ASE’s endorsement reflects its commitment to ensuring patients in rural communities have access to high-quality echocardiography and cardiovascular care.