The Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners announced last week that applications are now open for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the state's physician shortage.

The Bridge Year Graduate Physician Program, part of the Physician Workforce Act signed by Governor Kay Ivey in 2023, offers medical school graduates who did not secure residency placements an opportunity to gain critical experience under the supervision of licensed physicians. With this program, Alabama joins 10 other states with similar efforts to bolster their healthcare workforces.

Qualified participants will receive a permit to practice medicine under an Alabama-licensed physician, valid for one year and renewable for an additional year.

"There is a growing shortage of physicians in Alabama, leading to delays in patient care," said Dr. Amanda Williams, President of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. "The Bridge Year program is a key part of the Physician Workforce Act and a crucial step toward ensuring more Alabamians have access to the physician-led, team-based care they need."

William Perkins, Executive Director of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, emphasized the challenges faced by medical graduates.

"There are many reasons medical graduates may not match into residency programs, often due to limited residency slots. The Bridge Year program will help alleviate Alabama's physician shortage and provide these graduates with additional training as they reapply for residency."

The Physician Workforce Act, championed by the Medical Association during the 2023 legislative session, not only includes the Bridge Year program but also streamlines the process for out-of-state physicians to practice in Alabama by removing an in-person testing requirement for medical licensure. Additionally, it allows international medical graduates to apply for a medical license a year earlier during their training.

The Act received widespread support from organizations such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the University of South Alabama, the Free Clinics Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Federally Qualified Health Centers and various medical specialty groups.

For more information on the Bridge Year Graduate Physician Program, visit www.albme.gov.