Posted 8-23-08

Applications Available for Physician Recruitment Program

(WHRN) --Hospitals and other healthcare providers can now apply for state funding to help recruit doctors, and the application deadline is fast approaching.

In response to the need for continued assistance in recruiting physicians to the state, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 155 in 2008 to establish funding for the program.

Although the bill originally sought about $800,000 to pay recruiting and relocation expenses, as well as malpractice insurance premiums and signing bonuses, the bill survived a conference committee with an appropriation of about $400,000.

The Division of Rural and Frontier Health and the Wyoming Health Resources Network (WHRN) last week released the application for the Wyoming Physician Recruitment Program. The intent of the program is to enhance the ability of medically underserved communities to recruit physicians, and ultimately improve access to care.

Hospitals, clinics, physicians and other appropriate Wyoming agencies may apply for up to $80,000 in state funding to support their recruiting efforts. Grant funding can be used for incentives
and relocation expenses.

Because of the number of counties that are experiencing a shortage of physicians, awards are expected to be highly competitive. Additionally, the deadline for submission of grant applications is September 15. Interested groups are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Awardees will be notified by September 30.

WHRN is the point of contact for submission of applications and for any questions about the program. For more information about the program, contact Pennie Hunt at 307-635-2930, or via email at phunt@whrn.org.

Applications are available online at www.whrn.org under the ‘Hiring Sites’ link, or at http://wdh.state.wy.us/rfhd/rural/Physician_Recruitment.html.