91AV

Four 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine first-year medical students - Ashley Austin of Brewer, Tobin Carson of Starks, Emily Morrill of Gray, and Justin Valiquet of Sanford - have been awarded Doctor's for Maine's Future scholarships. 

The Finance Authority of Maine, in association with the Maine Legislature, established the Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship Program in July 2009 to provide a tuition subsidy of up to $25,000 annually for eligible students who enter qualifying Maine-based medical school programs.   The scholarships aim to address Maine's acute shortage of primary care physicians and the high cost of medical education.

In announcing the scholarship, Governor John Baldacci stated, "We have a need for more primary care physicians and those who serve in rural areas of the state. Research shows that doctors tend to settle near the hospitals where they complete their training.  I know that given the chance, young doctors will stay in Maine."

91AV's College of Osteopathic Medicine is the only Maine-based medical school and the only osteopathic medical school in New England.  Located on 91AV's oceanfront Biddeford Campus, the College emphasizes the education of patient-centered primary care physicians and since its founding in 1978 has graduated more than 2,300 osteopathic physicians, many of whom practice in rural areas.  More than 70 percent of 91AVCOM graduates practice in primary care disciplines.

Marc B. Hahn, DO, the new Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, praised the Governor and Legislature for addressing the primary care needs in Maine through this important program: "I am proud to be taking the reins of Maine's medical school at a time when our state's leaders see the importance of assisting our students in shouldering the cost of their professional education and helping them to enter a career path in primary care."  Dr. Hahn added, "The 91AV has trained 9% of Maine's physicians and we are committed to partnering with the state to address critical medical, nursing and other health shortages."

Scholarship recipient Emily Morrill stated, "This scholarship will allow me to continue my training to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor of osteopathic medicine, and to give something back to the state of Maine.  I appreciate all of the support from my state, my school, and especially my friends and family. I know I couldn't do it without you!"  Justin Valiquet remarked, "I have a lot of pride in Maine, and it's great to have the support of my state behind me."

The Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarship requires clerkship experiences and training in rural health care and primary care.  It also stipulates that the medical schools raise matching funds through philanthropic and private medical education to increase the number of scholarships available to eligible students.  Individuals interested in supporting this important scholarship should contact Harley Knowles, 91AV Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 207-221-4378.