American Medical Student Association Applauds Increase To National Health Service Corps

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Public Health;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 30 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the nation's oldest and largest, independent association for physicians-in-training, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Health Centers Renewal Act (H.R. 1343), which reauthorizes the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and increases its funding to over $185 million, an increase of more than 30 percent.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA), will also provide increased funding for community health centers, which provides high-quality, low-cost care to millions of Americans in rural and otherwise underserved areas.

"For over a year, I've been working to expand the National Health Service Corps, and I'm happy the House took action on this important legislation," Braley said. "The National Health Service Corps has successfully improved access to healthcare, injecting talented doctors into underserved areas across the country. This legislation will provide further incentives for doctors to stay and practice medicine in underserved areas, improving access to affordable, quality healthcare across the country."

"AMSA members have been advocates for primary care for patients in underserved communities since our organization was created," says Dr. Brian Hurley, AMSA's national president. "We are delighted to see our nation begin to respond to AMSA's call to invest in the primary care workforce."

"This is a long-overdue increase and a huge win for primary care in the United States," says Daniel Henderson, AMSA's Community and Environmental Health Policy coordinator. "The NHSC helps safeguard our nation's health by allowing primary care clinicians who practice in medically underserved areas to receive scholarships and loan repayment."

AMSA supports the NHSC in its efforts to deal with the problem of placing medical resources and personnel in needy urban areas in addition to needy rural areas. For more information, please visit AMSA's 2008-2009 legislative agenda: http://www.amsa.org/legislativecenter/agenda9.cfm.

About the American Medical Student Association

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With more than 67,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. AMSA focuses on four strategic priorities, including advocating for quality, affordable health care for all, global health equity, enriching medicine through diversity and professional integrity, development and student well being. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or joining the organization, please visit us online at http://www.amsa.org/.

American Medical Student Association