AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Medical students filled the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs for a hearing on a bill looking to further fund a scholarship for Maine future doctors.
Currently, the state is sitting at what some are calling a physician shortage. The Doctors for Maine’s Future Scholarship right now gives Mainers a chance to study and become a doctor here in the state.
The state is currently funding two students per school with a match from the institution. This bipartisan bill would add three more.
“These scholarships are instrumental in helping students stay here in Maine. As you’ve undoubtedly heard, Maine’s rural hospitals are facing a myriad of challenges and our physician shortage is a big one,” said Sen. Richard Bennett, R-Oxford.
Bennett proposed the bill.
“For students like me, this scholarship is life-changing. The cost of being a medical student is daunting and for many, it can be a barrier to overcome. By easing that financial burden, this program allows students to pursue medical education right here in Maine and when we train here, we’re far more likely to stay,” added Third-Year Medical Student Max Russell.
The bill had support from both sides of the aisle. It now moves to a work session.
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