First-year enrollment at the nation's medical schools this year increased nearly 2 percent to more than 18,000 students - the highest enrollment in history, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
"As the nation debates comprehensive reform of our healthcare system, it's imperative that we continue to educate and train a new generation of qualified doctors prepared to execute those changes, and lead the way on innovative healthcare," said AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD.
After a five-year increase in applicants to medical schools, that number leveled off this year at about 42,200, according to reports. While the overall applicant pool is one of the largest in more than a decade, the number of first-time applicants decreased by 3 percent. On average, there were more than two applicants for every available opening at a medical school.
"In a time of great economic uncertainty, interest in the healing profession of medicine remains stable," said Kirch. "As medical schools expand to meet the nation's demand for more doctors, there will be even more opportunities for the most qualified and well-rounded aspiring doctors to pursue rewarding careers in medicine."
The Mercer University School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and University of Arizona College of Medicine have established - or are planning to establish - branch campuses and were responsible for most of the enrollment increase.
This data does not reflect the anticipated enrollment at new schools expected to open within the next few years.