Medical education loan reimbursement update
By Mary Thomas, Esq., FMA Assistant General Counsel | Oct. 25, 2023
On Oct. 11, Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a press conference at FSU PrimaryHealth to tout the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program. The FRAME Program assists eligible healthcare practitioners, including physicians, with the repayment of medical education loans. Physicians and residents practicing primary care in rural areas are eligible for up to $20,000 per year in medical education reimbursement.

Among others invited to speak, Lt. Gov. Nuñez was joined by state Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, Florida State University College of Medicine Interim Dean and FMA Secretary Alma Littles, MD, and FMA CEO Chris Clark.
“FRAME is an important program that allows some of Florida’s most vulnerable patients in underserved areas to receive vital access to care and helps primary care professionals to secure much-needed funding to help offset their educational expenses,” Clark said. “Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, and the Florida Department of Health for their support and commitment in getting this program established, and to state Senator Jay Trumbull for leading the efforts as House Appropriations Chair. FRAME will make a difference in keeping physicians practicing here in Florida.”

“The FSU College of Medicine was created with a mission to be responsive to community needs, and that’s what the state of Florida is doing with the FRAME program – addressing the state’s healthcare needs in a proven and effective manner,” Dr. Littles said. “This funding will provide valuable incentive for our graduates to practice primary care in Florida in communities that often struggle to recruit enough doctors and other health care professionals.”

All awards for the 2023 cycle have been disbursed, with physicians and residents receiving the majority of allocated funds. Looking ahead to the 2024 Legislative Session, the FMA will advocate for increasing the program’s recurring funding, expanding eligible specialties, and increasing the award amount for physicians. The continuation and increased funding of this program will help alleviate physician shortages in underserved communities, encourage more physicians to practice family and general medicine, and promote team-based medicine in rural communities, which will help safeguard patient safety and quality of care.

Mark your calendars: The application window for the next cycle of awards will open Feb. 1 and run through March 31, 2024. Click here for more information relating to the FRAME Program.
From L-R: FSU President Richard McCullough, FMA Secretary and FSU College of Medicine Interim Dean Alma Littles, MD, Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, FMA CEO Chris Clark, and FOMA Executive Director Stephen Winn
From L-R: FSU President Richard McCullough, FMA Secretary and FSU College of Medicine Interim Dean Alma Littles, MD, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, FMA CEO Chris Clark, and FOMA Executive Director Stephen Winn
From L-R: FMA Secretary and FSU College of Medicine Interim Dean Alma Littles, MD, FSU President Richard McCullough, Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, and FMA CEO Chris Clark attend a press conference touting the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program.
From L-R: FMA Secretary and FSU College of Medicine Interim Dean Alma Littles, MD, FSU President Richard McCullough, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, and FMA CEO Chris Clark