U.S. Rep. Karen Bash

STATE News:

SANTA FE — A new scholarship program to keep New Mexico medical students practicing in the state after they complete their education passed the House Education Committee Monday. 

Sponsored by Rep. Karen Bash (D-Albuquerque), House Bill 150 provides $6 million in annual scholarships for University of New Mexico School of Medicine students.

These scholarships include a contract requiring the recipients to practice medicine in New Mexico for the equivalent number of years for which they received the scholarship. 

“New Mexico is suffering from a lack of doctors, particularly in our rural and underserved communities,” Rep. Bash said. “Meanwhile, our state graduates plenty of qualified medical school students, but the majority leave for their residencies and never return.”

“HB 150 provides a win-win solution to address this disconnect,” she continued. “The scholarships help UNM medical students, 85% of whom are native New Mexicans, fund their education, while also retaining their talents to serve our residents in the near future.” 

HB 150 passed the House Education Committee with an 8-3 vote, and will head next to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. 

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.