VCOM 2024 Annual Report

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Expands Scholarship Commitment

additional funding that supports medical students from across the state.

In a continued effort to support medical students committed to serving in Alabama’s underserved communities, in 2024, The Caring Foundation at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama renewed its partnership with the VCOM with a new gift of $1.5 million. This new funding expands the original $3.2 million scholarship program that was established in 2019, reinforcing the shared mission of improving healthcare access in rural and medically underserved areas of Alabama. The 2024 commitment provides 15 new scholarships, each valued at $100,000, to medical students who pledge to complete a residency in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics at a site located in one of Alabama’s designated medically underserved areas. Seven of these scholarships were awarded to VCOM students in 2024, furthering the College’s mission to train compassionate physicians dedicated to serving communities in need. Shelby Strong, VCOM-Auburn Class of 2026, is one of the recipients of the scholarship. “Having grown up in central Alabama, I have a specific interest for rural medicine, and family medicine is especially important in rural areas,” Strong said. “Many of my family and friends in Alabama grew up in small rural areas, and have struggled to find quality, local health care.” Blue Cross has provided about $24 million in scholarships across the state of Alabama, including funding for more than 50 VCOM Auburn students, including scholarships that support VCOM students specifically and

These future physicians will help fill critical gaps in primary care, maternal health, and behavioral health, because, like VCOM, Blue Cross believes that financial barriers should not prevent aspiring physicians from serving where they are needed most. Indeed, these scholarships will strengthen the wellbeing of entire communities across the state of Alabama. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. These future physicians will help fill critical gaps in primary care, maternal health, and behavioral health, because, like VCOM, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama believes that financial barriers should not prevent aspiring physicians from serving where they are needed most.

GIVING 193