BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sixty primary care physicians are now practicing in rural areas of Alabama, thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Medical Scholarship Program. The program aims to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare by covering the last two years of medical school for students who commit to serving at least three years in underserved areas of the state.
“We are seeing the results that we were hoping for from our scholarship program,” said Tim Vines, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
To date, 144 students have received scholarships, with 60 graduates now serving in rural communities.
The program addresses healthcare needs in primary care, behavioral and mental health, maternal health, nursing, family medicine obstetrics, certified nurse midwifery, and dentistry. Partnering schools include Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and several community colleges.
