The Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners is now accepting applications for a new physician training program, the Alabama Political Reporter reported Aug. 1.
The Bridge Year Graduate Physician Program is designed to increase the number of physicians in the state. It was established under the Physician Workforce Act, which allows medical school graduates who did not match into residency programs to train under licensed physicians. Alabama is one of 10 states with similar initiatives.
Qualified applicants will be granted a one-year permit to practice medicine in Alabama, which can be renewed for an additional year.
“There is a growing shortage of physicians in Alabama, leading to delays in patient care,” said Amanda Williams, MD, president of MASA. “The Bridge Year program is … a crucial step toward ensuring more Alabamians have access to the physician-led, team-based care they need.”