Rick Scott Highlights $80 million Graduate Medical Education Program

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scotthighlighted the new Statewide Residency Programat All Children?s Hospital. For the first time, hospitals will be receiving a supplemental payment specifically for graduate medical education.

Through the new Statewide Residency Program, 10 hospitals in Hillsborough and Pinellas County will receive more than $13 million of the total $80 million statewide allocation. Funding from the new Statewide Residency Program is available to all hospitals, both ?large and small, urban and rural, ?so long as they sponsor residents.

The supplemental payment was made possible by the $80 million appropriation recommended by Governor Scott in the2013 Florida Families First Budget.

?"In order to grow more opportunities for Florida familiesto succeed, we must invest in programs that will diversify our economy and create jobs for future generations," said Scott. "That?s why my Florida Families First budget invested $80 million for Graduate Medical Education programs, which helps hospitals expand their residency programs. In the Tampa Bay area alone, this program will invest $13 million to expand residency programs in 10 hospitals,which is great news. This program is the first of its kind to coordinate with hospitals on supporting their medical education programs and will ensure we keep more of our medical school graduates here in the Sunshine State.?"

Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, who servesChair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services lauded the program.

"?Many doctors who participate in residency programs in Florida end up practicing in our state," she said. "It is important, particularly in rural areas, that there are enough physicians to meet the future needs of our aging population. I am pleased that we were able to make an investment in the health of Floridians by creating the Statewide Residency Program.?