State health care loan repayment program draws record demand as New Mexico invests $25 million
The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program has experienced a dramatic increase in demand in recent years, leaving less funding available for applicants seeking student loan debt relief and potentially reducing the number of health professionals who would remain in New Mexico to practice with the financial support of this program.
“The goal of this program is to boost New Mexico’s health care workforce, and it has shown signs of success,” said Rodriguez. “But, frankly, the program needs more funding to accomplish that goal, therefore, we urge legislators to focus on expanding funding in the next session, as the overwhelming demand shows how essential this support is for New Mexico’s healthcare workforce.”
“I would never have been able to establish my practice in New Mexico, let alone remain here long-term, without the critical backing of the New Mexico [Health Professional Loan Repayment] Program,” said Dr. Kyle W. Sanders of San Juan Regional Medical Center. “Eight years later, New Mexico is our forever home. In that time, we have built a robust, full-time, full-service department. Patients across our region now have immediate access to highly specialized, life-saving oncology and trauma care seven days a week, none of which would exist without this program.
“The foresight of our state lawmakers in establishing this initiative, paired with ongoing improvements to the medical malpractice environment, is essential to attracting and retaining top-tier physicians. Investments like this ensure that rural residents do not have to leave the state for world-class treatment.”
The loan repayment program “made my worries about finances decrease significantly,” said Kristin Riordan, who is an occupational therapist at the Raymond G. Murphy VA. “I recently purchased a house in Northern New Mexico which will allow me to continue to work here and grow my roots in this community.”
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
