Tallahassee, Fla. – Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a press conference at FSU PrimaryHealth to highlight the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, through which a total of $16 million has been distributed to qualified health care professionals. Lieutenant Governor Nuñez was joined by State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, Florida State University (FSU) leadership, the Florida Medical Association, and a FRAME program award recipient.
“Governor DeSantis and I understand that addressing gaps requires supporting and funding innovative initiatives, like the FRAME program,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “The recipients will be able to continue serving their communities, while offsetting some of the loans and expenses they incurred as students.”
The FRAME program encourages health care professionals to practice in underserved locations of the state by providing funding awards to offset loans and educational expenses associated with studies leading to medical or nursing degrees, advanced practice registered nurse licensure, or physician assistant licensure.
“Caring for patients and supporting their wellness as a health care professional is priceless but often comes with high educational costs,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “The FRAME program is an invaluable initiative that will allow Florida’s health care professionals to continue providing critical care in communities with the greatest need. The Florida Department of Health looks forward to continuing to work with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and statewide partners on health care workforce needs.”
“Thank you to Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez for your continued support of our health care workforce,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Initiatives like the FRAME program exemplify the Florida’s commitment to improving health care access and supporting the workforce by providing financial relief to hardworking Floridians who have chosen to work in some of our most underserved communities.”
“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 health care needs in a proven and effective manner,” said FSU College of Medicine Dean Dr. Alma Littles. “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. I thank the Florida Legislature, the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor for this important commitment to the health of all Floridians.”
“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,” said Florida Medical Association CEO Chris Clark. “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. FRAME will make a difference in keeping physicians practicing here in Florida.”
“It is an honor to be able to help my patients in Quincy with the most precious thing we can have – our health,” said TMH Physician Partners – Primary Care in Quincy Physician Assistant Eliana Green. “Working in a rural community has not only allowed me to provide care but also receive so much in return. The FRAME program has helped me to continue serving the patients that mean so much to me by easing some of the burden of my student loans.”
FRAME is a part of Florida’s efforts to invest in health care professionals, bolster the health care workforce, and help meet the needs of underserved communities in Florida. More information about FRAME can be found by visiting FloridaHealth.gov/FRAME.
Media Release: Florida Department of Health, Image: Office of Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez
