Concerning residencies, it is the quality and fields of the residencies that matter, not the quantity. Many of the surplus residencies may not be very desirable. As a future D.O., I don't want these "leftover" residency spots that the IMGs may someday vacate. We are separate, but equal to M.D.s. I don't have the viewpoint as it seems some have that we are less than M.D.s, but better than IMGs. Let's be realistic, if D.O.s take up some of the # of spots that IMGs now occupy, D.O.s may then become the scapegoats for the physician surplus (like the IMGs are now). Also if the AOA opens new schools and increases class sizes they may also be blamed for the surplus. I have seen an article written by M.D. specialty boards pointing this out when Arizona was opening up (internal medicine). I found it on the web, look it up. The medical establishment could take measures to get more doctors into underserved areas of the country. I am not sure how, maybe they should accept more people from rural areas that would want to practice there, etc. This may be one step to help the physician surplus because I believe it is a problem of distribution. This may also be helpful against the NP cause, since they are getting more rights due to the lack of doctors in underserved areas.
IUHoosier, I know what you mean about misperceptions and lack of knowledge about D.O.s in Indiana, since this was my home state. I too hope that the Pacers go all the way. They haven't been hot lately though. Utah will take care of the Lakers once again too. I predict it will be a Utah vs Indiana finals.