ALBUQUERQUE — In a collaborative effort to enhance health care access across New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and the New Mexico Medical Foundation have awarded a total of $500,000 in grants to 10 independent physician practices aimed at bolstering physician recruitment throughout the state. This initiative addresses the pressing need for more health care providers in a state long impacted by physician shortages.
Following an extensive selection process, the following medical practices have been chosen to receive funding to support their recruitment efforts:
- BCA Medical - Pediatric Practice in Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad, Ruidoso and Dexter
- Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico - Dermatology in Santa Fe and Albuquerque
- Kymera Independent Physicians – Multi-specialty practice in Roswell, Hobbs and Carlsbad
- Michael Lopez MD - Internal Medicine in Las Vegas
- Dr. Jordie Martin Psychiatry - Psychiatry Practice in Albuquerque
- Nephrophiles - Nephrology Practice in Santa Fe
- Piñon Perinatal - Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice in Albuquerque, Grants, Colfax, Las Cruces and Silver City
- Southwest Gastroenterology - Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine in Albuquerque
- Taos Medical Group - Internal and Family Medicine in Taos
- Zia Medical Group - General Surgery Practice in Clovis
The competitive grant program attracted applications from health care practices across the state, underscoring the significant demand for financial support in recruiting new physicians. Each application was carefully evaluated based on community needs, potential local impact and commitment to health care.
“A strong health care workforce is vital to ensuring that all New Mexicans receive timely and effective medical care,” said Dr. Brian Etheridge, chief medical officer of Medicaid at BCBSNM. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving health outcomes across the state through support of both primary and specialty care, and we are thrilled to partner with the New Mexico Medical Foundation to further this mission.”
Grant recipients will utilize the awarded funds for various recruitment-related expenses, including signing bonuses, moving costs and salary support, to attract and retain health care professionals in New Mexico, where physician shortages have previously contributed to gaps in care.
“This grant represents not just funding, but a commitment to revitalizing our physician workforce in New Mexico,” stated Annie Jung, director of the New Mexico Medical Foundation. “We are thankful to BCBSNM for their support and excited to see the impact these new physicians will have in their communities.”
The collaboration between BCBSNM and NMMF is part of a broader effort to increase access to health care in the state. In addition to this grant, BCBSNM recently invested over $2.6 million in nursing education and scholarships to further enhance the health care talent pipeline in New Mexico.
For more information about BCBSNM’s initiatives and support for health care access in New Mexico, please visit BCBSNM's newsroom and BCBSNM’s 2024 Impact Report.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About New Mexico Medical Foundation
New Mexico Medical Foundation was founded in 2000 by the leadership of New Mexico Medical Society. The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including providing medical support to New Mexicans in need.