Arizona invests in program to help reduce the critical shortage of primary physicians

Arizona’s rapid population growth has amplified a pressing health care challenge: a severe shortage of primary care physicians. Currently ranked 42nd in primary care access, Arizona will require an additional 1,941 primary care doctors by 2030 to meet escalating demands, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

To help address this shortfall, the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $3.9 million grant to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. This funding will enhance primary care and rural health training opportunities, focusing on underserved communities across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by Sharry Veres, M.D., Kathleen Brite Hillis, M.D., and Jonathan Cartsonis, M.D., aims to expand clinical experiences, improve curriculum, and boost primary care residency matches. The program, launched September 30, integrates partnerships with tribal, rural, and community health centers, including Federally Qualified Health Centers and the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC).

“Medical students and resident physicians who train in rural areas are more likely to practice in those areas after their training,” said Veres, chair of the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine, in a statement. “To attract students interested in rural and underserved locations, we need a curriculum and clinical settings that support their goals.”

A cornerstone of the initiative is the allocation of five competitive scholarships, covering three years of medical school tuition. These scholarships target students with a demonstrated commitment to rural health and primary care.

“These scholarships will be awarded to students with experiences in rural and underserved communities, a vested interest in this area of medicine, and a willingness to pursue careers in underserved primary care,” Veres said. “We want to understand the ‘why’ behind their commitment and invest early in their success.”

Expanding the Pathway Scholars Program

The project will also grow the Pathway Scholars Program, a one-year master’s program designed to prepare Arizona pre-med students for the challenges of medical school. In its second year, the program’s class size will increase from 12 to 16 students, further bolstering the state’s pipeline of qualified medical professionals.

“Programs like this have a proven track record of preparing students for success in medical school,” Veres said. “The Pathway Scholars Program provides the foundation and support necessary to bring the right students into the medical field.”

The three-year grant represents an important investment in Arizona’s health care future, but sustaining the initiative will require ongoing efforts, according to the University of Arizona. Limited access to health care facilities in rural and tribal areas poses significant challenges. Veres and her team plan to pursue additional funding to ensure the program’s longevity and success.

“This program pulls together all the pieces to create an end-to-end solution addressing the primary care workforce shortage,” Veres said. “By aligning our efforts with the needs of underserved communities, we can make a lasting impact on health care access in Arizona.”