UK receives nearly $16 million grant to help address primary care physician shortage
UK will receive nearly $4 million over the next four years, to help address the primary care physician shortage.
Lexington, Ky (WTVQ): The University of Kentucky college of medicine has received a grant of nearly $16 million from the Health Resources and Service Administration. UK will receive nearly $4 million over the next four years, to help address the primary care physician shortage. This shortage however is not unique to Kentucky nor is it limited to primary care.
Dr. Stephanie White, is the senior Associate Dean for the College of Medicine, and a primary care pediatrician.
“We have 244 designated primary care health provided shortage areas. We need another 319 primary care physicians to remove this designation,” White said.
The goal of the grant is to improve healthcare access, in underserved areas of the state.
As well as increase the number, and diversity of primary care doctors in Kentucky.
“We want to be imbedded in our community and be able to have those close long lasting continuous relationships with our patients. So, that we can avoid them having multiple urgent care or ED visits. That we can make sure they’re getting the attention when they need it,” said White.
In the Commonwealth, 61% of the physician needs are in rural areas. The grant will focus on expanding pathways to support students who are interested in medical school, and will provide scholarship opportunities for medical students who choose primary care.
Dr. Windy Jackson is the Associate Dean for Admissions at UK.
Dr. Windy Jackson is the Associate Dean for Admissions at UK.
“To show what the practice of medicine is like in a rural setting or in an underserved area. Hoping to foster that interest throughout their medical school exposure, and then matching a residency in primary care,” said Jackson.
This grant also addresses the debt many students face. White says on average medical students are graduating with about $240,000 thousand dollars of debt. This is a problem across the country.
With these funds they’re focusing on increased scholarships for 3rd and 4th year students.
With these funds they’re focusing on increased scholarships for 3rd and 4th year students.
“It will change and shift that weight of that decision of do I have to pick this specialty. Or can I follow my interests and do a primary care field,” said White.
