> that is like saying drivers with licenses have a monopoly on driving.
The critical difference is that there's no limit on the number of people who can get standard driver's licenses, but there is on medical licenses.
It's not just the AMA directly, though. Residencies are funded federally, I believe. I'm pretty sure the numbers per specialty are centrally controlled, but I'm not certain how the process works. And I don't know who limits the medical school slots, but I'm under the impression medical schools can't just increase the number of students at will.
All that being said, keeping the supply artificially low probably has some benefits.
The critical difference is that there's no limit on the number of people who can get standard driver's licenses, but there is on medical licenses.
It's not just the AMA directly, though. Residencies are funded federally, I believe. I'm pretty sure the numbers per specialty are centrally controlled, but I'm not certain how the process works. And I don't know who limits the medical school slots, but I'm under the impression medical schools can't just increase the number of students at will.
All that being said, keeping the supply artificially low probably has some benefits.