Report: N.J. investments in medical training boost physician retention, expand workforce
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s investment in graduate medical education is paying off with more physicians choosing to train and remain in the state, according to a new report from the Department of Health.
The state increased funding for graduate medical education (GME) by 39% over the past two fiscal years, adding $84.5 million in fiscal year 2024 and another $10 million in 2025. The Murphy administration has maintained that funding, with a total investment of $336.5 million budgeted for fiscal 2026.
The 2024 GME Survey Summary Report links the funding boost to growth in the number of trainees and improved physician retention. Of the 1,580 medical residents who completed training in 2024, 471 — or 30% — plan to practice in New Jersey, a 20% increase from the previous year. Fellowship programs showed similar progress, with 118 fellows committing to stay in the state.
“More physicians practicing in our State means better access to care, shorter wait times, and specialized medical services closer to home,” Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said. “While every state across the country is struggling with health provider shortages, New Jersey has been expanding training pipelines to better meet our communities’ health care needs.”
The report said New Jersey’s 45 teaching hospitals are training nearly 4,800 residents and fellows, a steady rise coinciding with the funding commitment. State subsidies help offset the costs of training programs, officials said.
The program also requires hospitals to provide comprehensive opioid addiction prevention, diagnosis and treatment education. The 2024 survey found 100% compliance with those requirements across all hospitals.
The full report offers detailed analysis from 44 teaching hospitals and shows a correlation between state investment in training and long-term physician retention in New Jersey.
