See how this company is addressing the doctor shortage in Alabama through a scholarship program

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Did you know that there is a shortage of primary care providers in 61 of Alabama’s 67 counties?

In an effort to support healthcare in our state and encourage more students to enroll in these needy areas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) awards millions of dollars in scholarships to Alabama’s four medical schools for students who go into certain specialities.

Scholarships for Alabama med schools

Recent studies show there is a shortage of primary care physicians in Alabama, and that roughly 1-2 million Alabamians lack access to primary care doctors.

In fact, there are only 4.1 primary care physicians per 10,000 people in rural counties across Alabama.

To help combat these statistics, BCBSAL started the Medical School Scholarship Program. Since its creation in 2019, this program has awarded $11 million in scholarship money to Alabama med schools:

• Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine in Birmingham
• University of South Alabama (USA) College of Medicine in Mobile
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Auburn

Maycie Edmondson, a current student at UAB’s School of Medicine in Birmingham, received a scholarship from BCBSAL last year.

“In a field that is so challenging and requires many sacrifices, scholarships motivate me to keep going so that I can go back and serve my community.

I am so thankful to have received a scholarship from BCBSAL because it eases the financial stress, and anywhere I can decrease stress during this season matters!”

Maycie Edmondson, student, UAB School of Medicine

Current and future students at Alabama med schools—learn more about the BCBSAL Scholarship Program!

Who is eligible for the BCBSAL Scholarship Program?

Scholarships are offered to students specializing in primary care, OBGYN or psychiatry. Recipients agree to practice for three years in an underserved area in Alabama.

Participating med schools choose recipients based the following criteria:

• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Intent to practice in an eligible underserved area upon graduation

Plus, since the initial program has been so successful, BCBSAL decided to expand it this year to include:

• Registered nurse scholarships at:
  • The University of West Alabama
  • Calhoun Community College
  • Jefferson State Community College
  • Coastal Alabama Community College
• Certified nurse midwifery scholarships at the UAB School of Nursing MSN Nurse-Midwifery Pathway
• Scholarships at UAB School of Dentistry
• Family Medicine Obstetrics

Supporting Alabama healthcare professionals

This scholarship program is proof of one (of the many) ways Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is committed to the support of healthcare in our state.

“Since the inception of the program, 144 medical students have been awarded a Blue Cross medical scholarship. Now that the recipients are graduating and establishing their practices in rural communities, we are seeing the results we were hoping for.

More Alabamians now have access to the quality healthcare they need, resulting in better health outcomes.”

Tim Vines, President and CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Fun fact: By the end of the spring, 54 scholarship recipients will be currently practicing throughout Alabama!

See how BCBSAL invests in the future of Alabama med school students + healthcare professionals.

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