Tennessee
Tennessee, other states with abortion bans see drop in doctor residency applicants
Tennessee already faces a doctor shortage and a new
study by the Association of American Medical Colleges charted a sharp decline in residency applications.
Reproductive rights key issue in election
Both sides of the aisle are saying abortion is a key issue heading into the November 2024 election.
Fox – 7 Austin
Fewer rising doctors are interested in finishing their medical training in Tennessee, a concerning trend for a state already facing a physician shortage that is only projected to worsen over the next decade.
Tennessee last year saw a significant decrease in medical residency applications from medical school graduates entering the final phase of their training, according to a new study conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which also found that states with strict abortion bans experienced significant decreases in applications.
These states experienced decreases specifically to obstetrics and gynecology programs, despite a slight uptick in OB-GYN interest on average nationwide. While abortion laws can vary from state to state, many can carry criminal charges for doctors and complicate required medical education in reproductive health, abortion and pregnancy care.
In 14 states with abortion bans, researchers charted a nearly 7% decrease in OB-GYN program applications.
The landscape significantly worsened in Tennessee. Tennessee’s overall residency applications declined by more than 12%. Even larger decreases were seen in the OB-GYN specialty, at a nearly 21% decrease, and pediatrics specialty, at nearly 20%.
“The primary issue is we’re already in a health care provider shortage,” said Dr. Kyla Terhune, who leads Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s graduate medical education.
Tennessee’s doctor shortage among worst
A 2020 study forecast Tennessee will be short nearly 6,000 needed doctors by 2030, one of the worst shortages in the nation. The state has made some efforts to reverse the slide, such as a 2023 law creating a pathway for international doctors to practice in the state, but it has not yet reversed the trend.
Though the AAMC study only reviewed a year of data, continued decreases in doctors looking to finish their medical training in Tennessee could exacerbate these shortages.
Legal arguments: Court hears challenge to Tennessee abortion ban for those with health risks
“Any drop at all is concerning, because that only perpetuates the shortage,” Terhune said. “Every drop is really critical.”
At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the pediatrics residency program saw a 10% decrease in residency applications. UTHSC pediatrics residency program director Dr. Bindiya Bagga said this mirrors a nationwide trends in pediatrics programs.
Bagga said through conversations with colleagues across the country, it seems local and state politics regarding access to reproductive health and transgender care “could certainly have played a significant role in applicant decisions, but it is hard to assign direct causality.”
Public policy plays role in recruitment
Terhune said local policies play a role in recruitment for young doctors in training who are looking not just for their future professional home, but a place to potentially start or grow their family.
“If you’re a young person at the beginning of your training, with a lot of uncertainty about your life and profession, it could impact our ability to recruit within the state,” Terhune said of Tennessee’s near-total abortion ban.
As rising doctors last year considered their residency options, Tennessee lawmakers were debating a small but significant change to the state’s abortion ban, which originally required doctors to knowingly commit a felony to perform an abortion, even to save a patient’s life. Tennessee doctors decried the state’s trigger ban as dangerous, and possibly deadly, for patients, and a severe legal burden for healthcare professionals.
Three women sue Tennessee over abortion law they say causes ‘catastrophic’ risks
In April 2023, the General Assembly passed a narrow legal exception allowing doctors to perform an abortion if their “reasonable” medical judgment finds it would prevent the death or severe injury of a pregnant patient.
“When providers face legal challenges when they’re trying to do their job, trying to provide care for individuals, that’s a very scary proposition. That’s very scary for someone beginning their training,” Terhune said. “If they have the option to be in a place where they will be protected and get the training they need for individuals they might encounter, they’re going to choose that place to train.”
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — Tennessee Athletics’ “Big Orange Caravan” presented by Pilot will roll into the Tri-Cities on April 30, bringing some of the university’s most recognizable faces to Kingsport.
The statewide tour, a collaboration between Tennessee Athletics and the UT Knoxville Office of Alumni Affairs, features Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White, men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes, women’s basketball coach Kim Caldwell, head football coach Josh Heupel and “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith.
The Tri-Cities stop is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at Meadowview Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport, Tennessee. Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet session with the headliners from 5:30-6:15 p.m. The program begins at 6:15 p.m.
Hosted by Keith, the evening will include stories, program insight and a question-and-answer session with Tennessee’s athletics leaders and coaches. The UT Spirit Squads also will be in attendance.
Tickets are $30, plus taxes and fees, and include light food options. A cash bar, along with additional light food and appetizers, will be available.
Of each ticket sold, $5 will benefit the local UT Alumni chapter’s scholarship endowment and $10 will go toward the My All Campaign.
The Tri-Cities event is the final stop of the three-city spring tour. The caravan opens in Chattanooga on April 28 before heading to Nashville on April 29. As announced last spring, Chattanooga and Memphis will alternate as tour stops each year.
The Big Orange Caravan is designed to connect Tennessee coaches and administrators with fans across the state, offering behind-the-scenes insight and celebrating the support of the Volunteer community.
Tickets for the Tri-Cities stop can be purchased at https://www.gofevo.com/event/BOCTriCities26
.
Tennessee star Nate Ament will miss a game against South Carolina on Tuesday, the program announced on Monday night. Ament was injured during a weekend contest against Alabama.
Ament was injured when he was rolled up on while going for a loose ball. His leg twisted awkwardly underneath him, and Ament immediately went to the locker room.
He would return briefly in the second half. Nate Ament even made a basket, but then he appeared to tweak his injury shortly after and returned to the bench. He did not re-enter the contest.
Tennessee issued a short statement on his availability against South Carolina. The program released the statement on Twitter.
“Nate Ament will not play tomorrow night at South Carolina,” Tennessee wrote. “Ament is out due to a right leg injury sustained Saturday against Alabama. The timetable for his return is to be determined and he will continue to be evaluated.”
A 6-foot-10, 207-pound freshman, Ament has been one of Tennessee’s best players all season. He is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 17.4 points per game. He’s also the team’s leading rebounder, securing 6.4 rebounds per game.
Nate Ament signs NIL deal with Reebok
On3’s Nick Schultz recently published a list of some of the top brands to sign college basketball freshmen to NIL deals. Ament was one of the top signees.
In addition to Arkansas star Darius Acuff, Ament signed with Reebok this year. Ament was the crown jewel of Tennessee’s recruiting class. He signed with the brand in October 2024 while he was the No. 4 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Nate Ament sits second on the Tennessee roster with 17.4 points per game, and his 6.4 rebounds on average leads the Vols. Additionally, his $1.3 million On3 NIL Valuation ranks No. 14 in college basketball and No. 56 in the On3 NIL 100.
On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.
Detroit Pistons’ loss to Cavs shows weaknesses before playoffs
Floats for San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade get finishing touches
Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas
Shooting in northwest Miami-Dade leaves man in critical condition, sheriff’s office says
Charlotte plays Boston on 5-game win streak
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: Senators Question Kristi Noem on ICE Immigration Tactics
Combustible Republican Senate primary in Texas heading into overtime
Hungarian veto proves EU needs less unanimity, says new Dutch PM
Pregnant migrant girls are being sent to a Texas shelter flagged as medically risky
Fraud-plagued Minnesota sues Trump admin for withholding $243M in Medicaid payments
-
World6 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts7 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO7 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Oregon5 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling
-
Florida3 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Maryland3 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Culture1 week agoTry This Quiz on Thrilling Books That Became Popular Movies