McKee looking to expand loan repayment program to primary care doctors
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee joined healthcare professionals at the Blackstone Valley Community Health Center Wednesday afternoon to share news about an expansion of his loan repayment program, specifically targeting primary care doctors as shortages continues around the country.
Officials at the health facility said primary care “is the first point of contact” in the health care system.
The governor said he was working to extend his current loan repayment assistance program to primary care doctors and pediatricians who commit to practicing in areas with shortages in Rhode Island for at least two years.
One projection from the Association of American Medical Colleges showed the United States could be short more than 85,000 physicians to meet its needs by 2036.
We’re committed to strengthening RI’s primary care workforce.
My budget proposal includes more $ for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. I visited @BVCHC_RI to meet recipients and hear how this initiative has helped them build their careers and establish roots in RI. pic.twitter.com/qw57kBVfNJ
— Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) February 26, 2025
The director of the Department of Health, Dr. Jerome Larkin, spoke on the positive response they’re seeing after 11 staff members have benefitted from the current program.
“One of the best ways to recruit and retain people is by offering them reimbursement for the cost they took up front in order to help all of us,” Dr. Larkin said. “It’s an exciting opportunity.”
The governor said that based on that investment in just 11 people, thousands of Rhode Islanders were impacted in a positive way.
McKee hopes to expand the program into primary care if his budget passes the general assembly.
