Training the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide care in communities throughout Idaho and beyond requires partnership and support.
One such partnership for the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is its work with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health (BCIF). Since 2020, both entities have worked together to support medical students in their pursuit of becoming physicians, as well as in support of the State of Idaho’s Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP), in an effort to increase the number of physicians in Idaho.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation’s longstanding commitment to the health and wellness of Idahoans — including efforts to grow our much-needed physician workforce,” said Dr. Tracy J. Farnsworth, President of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Together, ICOM and BCIF created The Primary Care Initiative — a non-profit foundation established to address the critical shortage of primary care physicians in rural Idaho and the surrounding regions. The Primary Care Initiative (PCI) offers an opportunity for medical education debt repayment for rural physicians who practice primary care medicine in a federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Area or similarly underserved area. To date, PCI has donated $300K to Idaho’s Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP), supporting three physicians practicing in rural areas.
The foundation also offers scholarships for medical students attending ICOM. Since 2022, PCI has awarded $145K in scholarships to student physicians committed to practicing medicine in Idaho.
“The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is honored to partner with ICOM to address the critical need for physicians in Idaho,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director of BCIF. “We appreciate ICOM’s dedication to Idaho and commitment to bolstering the state’s healthcare workforce.”
In honor of the partnership between ICOM and BCIF, and in recognition of the foundation’s support of the medical school, ICOM has named its new simulation classroom — The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Simulation Classroom.
“This naming and recognition are most appropriate and represent a heartfelt thank you to our colleagues and friends at Blue Cross of Idaho,” said Dr. Farnsworth.
