$10M gift helping UAB launch program to expand rural healthcare

UAB is launching a new program to support rural residency training programs + strengthen rural clinic capacity.

The start of the program is being assisted by a $10 million gift from Mike + Gillian Goodrich which is expected to lay a foundation for a new system to train primary care physicians in rural communities.

“UAB is uniquely positioned to lead this effort due to the reach of our health system, a strong training infrastructure and a deep commitment to serving every corner of the state. This is what’s possible when philanthropy and academic medicine align around a shared purpose: to create lasting impact for Alabama.”

Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine

How $10M can impact rural healthcare in Alabama

The funds will create the Goodrich Rural Innovation in Training for Alabama (GRIT). The program is expected to be organized around four primary areas:

• Leadership in rural health + primary care
• Expanded residency programming
• Scholarship support
• Investment in clinics + training sites

Alabama ranks among the lowest states in the nation for access to primary care — a shortage that shapes everything from routine screenings to long-term health outcomes.

“Our goal is to remove barriers that may prevent learners, especially those from rural areas, from pursuing primary care training and then returning to practice in high-need communities. Alleviating some of the educational debt burden is one strategy to open up the pathway for students who may be drawn to primary care but feel they need to practice in a more lucrative specialty or in an urban area.”

Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate dean of Primary Care and Rural Health at UAB

Goodrich family gift to UAB

UAB says the program is calculated to benefit the places where care has grown most challenging to find.

“For a number of years, Gillian and I have been concerned about access to quality healthcare in rural Alabama. Small-town hospitals are closing or reducing services to local citizens. We have worked with Dr. Agarwal and his team to develop a comprehensive program that will attract and retain primary care residents and physicians in rural communities.”

Mike Goodrich

A portion of the $10 million gift is expected to have an immediate impact on logistical needs.

A rural practice cannot take on and train residents without first having the capacity to host them, and the physicians who agree to mentor these trainees require time and support the system rarely affords them.

“Small towns make up the fabric of Alabama. We believe that this program is an exciting step to ensure rural Alabama will have the healthcare services that allow residents to continue to enjoy the benefits of rural life.”

Gillian Goodrich