Boom amid bust: Medical schools grow

(AP) - It is hard to tell there is a recession on at the nation's medical schools, where business appears to be booming. Responding to warnings of a looming doctor shortage, existing schools are increasing enrollment, and new ones are opening or under development.

A quarter century ago, experts blamed rising health costs on what they said was a surplus of doctors performing unneeded procedures, but the president-elect of the American Medical Association, Temple cardiologist Dr. J. James Rohack said Americans are living longer and need good doctors.

This year alone, the number of accredited medical schools in the United States is set to grow by four to 130. Health care in America is a $2.4-trillion-annual business. President Barack Obama has made overhauling health care an early priority of his administration.