Federal money pays for half of graduate medical education. Government could redirect as much as 50 percent of the 3.6 billion federal contribution to students who plan to practice general medicine. Also, government should expand a three-year test project authorized by Congress lat year. Fear of malpractice lawsuits is a problem. These lawsuits drive doctors to perform many extra procedures to protect themselves from claims of malpractice.
Many doctors challenge such finding, arguing that it's better to make a mistake on the safe side.
Another wise investment for government would be to begin a program devoted to finding out which procedures and drugs are most effective.