Medical school enrollment on the rise

First-year enrollment in new and existing U.S. medical schools expanded this year by 2 percent to nearly 18,400 students, according to a report released last month by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Four new medical schools, in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas, seated their first entering classes this year, accounting for half of the 2009 enrollment increase. Twelve other medical schools expanded their 2009 class size at least 7 percent.

But just boosting enrollment isn't enough, says association President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD.