MRPSP SEEDS RURAL TOWNS WITH DOCTORS

Mississippi has taken a giant step toward “growing” its own small-town physicians with the creation of the Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, according to its executive director, Janie B. Guice.

Guice said the program, which was created by Mississippi House Bill 1465 last session, differs from previous rural health scholarships because it combines a “longitudinal academic support program alongside the $30,000-per-year scholarship for medical school.”

“Strong preference is given to those admitted to UMC’s School of Medicine,” Guice said. “Up to 15 scholarships may be awarded each year, if funding allows.”

This fall, undergraduate participants may benefit from academic enrichment and field experiences in rural health care. The Office of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP) provides assistance and guidance as students apply for admission into medical school.

“Statistics indicate students from small towns are more likely to establish a rural practice,” Guice said.

To be eligible for the MRPSP, students must be Mississippi residents admitted to the School of Medicine at UMC who wish to become primary care physicians in rural or underserved areas of the state. Once the students complete residency training, they must practice in a rural or underserved area for four years.

For more information about the MRPSP, call Guice at 5-9022.

2008-02-01 00:00:00 17885