WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jackie Rosen, D-N.V., introduced a bill to help increase the number of specialist doctors and other medical specialists in rural communities. The bipartisan Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act would tackle the shortage of physicians in rural communities by creating a student loan repayment program for specialist physicians and other specialist medical professionals practicing in rural areas. Mississippi, especially rural areas, face severe physician shortages and is among the most medically underserved states within the United States.

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“The entire nation is dealing with a physician shortage, and rural communities in Mississippi have been particularly affected. Congress can help provide a solution,” said Senator Wicker. “The SPARC Act would offer targeted incentives to medical professionals who choose to work in underserved towns and cities. I believe this bill will encourage providers to bring their services to areas that need them most.”

“Nevada’s shortage of medical professionals is jeopardizing the ability of families to get the care they need — especially in our rural communities,” said Senator Rosen. “We need new solutions to bring more physicians to all parts of our state, which is why I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to create a student loan repayment program for specialist physicians practicing in rural areas. I’ll keep working to address the medical provider shortage crisis Nevada is facing.” 

“As the only academic medical center and the largest health system in a rural state, the University of Mississippi Medical Center supports measures that increase access to health care for all Mississippians. The SPARC Act would be an effective tool to encourage more skilled physicians to establish specialty-medicine practices in rural Mississippi communities. UMMC’s overall mission is to foster a healthier Mississippi, and should this bill pass and be enacted, it will help us move closer to that goal,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of UMMC.