18 Health Systems Expand Physician Residencies in 2026

Hospitals and health systems are racing to train more doctors. At least 18 are launching, announcing, or restructuring physician residency programs in 2026, according to Becker's Hospital Review, a push aimed squarely at broadening training capacity and strengthening local physician pipelines.

The logic is practical. The US faces a projected physician shortage, and residents tend to put down roots: a large share of doctors stay to practice in the region where they complete training. By standing up new residencies, systems can grow their own workforce rather than compete nationally for scarce hires, while expanding care in specialties and communities that need it most.

For executives and operators, residency expansion is becoming a core recruiting and retention strategy, not just an academic mission. The move also deepens ties to medical schools and can anchor underserved markets. Becker's notes its list is not exhaustive, a sign the trend is broader than any single tally and likely to keep accelerating through 2026.