Michigan Physicians May Now Qualify for $50,000 in Loan Repayment While in Residency
PRESS CONTACT: Ana Hornburg at 517-908-8229 or [email protected]
For Immediate Release
December 10, 2018
Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Health Council today announced that the Michigan Loan Reimbursement and Employment Solution (MiLES) will be accepting applications between January 2 and February 28 of 2019. If approved, medical residents completing their last two years of residency may receive $50,000 in loan reimbursement this spring in exchange for a 2-year post-residency service commitment in a medically underserved area of Michigan.
“Access to care is critical to creating a culture of health in Michigan and we are pleased to be able to administer a service that supports getting quality care to the communities that need it most,” said Melanie Brim, President and CEO of Michigan Health Council (MHC).
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), more than 3 million Michigan residents live in primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) where only 42.15% of the need for primary care physicians is met. The need for mental health practitioners is even greater, with 4.1 million Michigan residents living in mental health HPSAs where only 23.94% of the need for mental health care professionals is met.
“We are grateful for our partnership with and funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services,” said Amy Hoge, Director of Physician Services at MHC. “Our goal is to place 90 new physicians in underserved areas of the state during the course of the five year work project.”
As part of MiLES, MHC will assist resident physicians in finding career opportunities based on their specialty and location preferences. Employers interested in participating in MiLES should visit milesprogram.org for more information and to submit their job opportunities. There is no cost to post jobs or to participate in the program.
“The MiLES program will be an effective recruitment and retention tool helping bring physicians to the communities where they are most needed,” said Rachel Ruddock, Recruitment and Retention Services Manager for Michigan Center for Rural Health. “Physicians, employers and communities will benefit from MiLES; it’s a win-win for everyone!”
In addition to being in their last year or two of residency, physician residents must plan to become licensed to provide patient care in an approved specialty within Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic (DO) medicine. For a full list of eligibility and program requirements and to download an application, physician residents may visit milesprogram.org.
The Michigan Health Council is a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a culture of health with health professionals at the heart of the delivery system. Their mission is to build health professional capacity by offering innovative products and services across six focus areas. Learn more at www.mhc.org.
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