COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina is facing a growing physician shortage, and state leaders say the impact is already being felt across the state.

Patients may already be noticing longer wait times for appointments, especially for specialists, according to Lara Hewitt, vice president of workforce at the South Carolina Hospital Association.

To address the shortage, state lawmakers approved $10 million in this year’s budget to expand South Carolina’s Graduate Medical Education program. That funding will be matched with federal dollars, bringing the state’s total investment to about $200 million per year.

The program pays hospitals to host residency programs, which are the final phase of training for doctors after medical school.

Jeff Leieritz with the Department of Health and Human Service

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