TRENTON – In an effort to address a current and worsening physician shortage in New Jersey, a bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would establish a Physician Loan Redemption Program for both primary care and specialty physicians who pledge to work in underserved and physician shortage areas was approved by the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 5 to 0.
The bill (S-1774) is in direct response to the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals report that within 10 years New Jersey will have a shortage of more than 2,800 physicians and specialists.
“It is necessary that all New Jersey citizens have access to qualified doctors no matter where they live in the state,” Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex) said. “A shortage of physicians should not stand in the way of New Jerseyans getting the medical attention they need.”