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Sept 8th, 1966

The Old Orleans County Board of Supervisors created and authorized the Orleans County Medical Scholarship Board to help insure practicing Doctors for Orleans County's future generations.

CurrentNews

Training Doctors

In 1966 Medical School cost $1,600.00 per year. Now the Cost of Medical School is often more than $40,000.00 per year. This is quite a debt to incure to be trained. The Legislature amended the OCMSB directives increasing the Scholarship to $36,000.00 effective March 2011.

RecentNews

February 2011

The Orleans County Legislature amends the Doctor Scholarship from $18,000 to $36,000 reflecting the increase tuition costs to Train A Physician. A Doctor in training attends pre-med college four years, then four more years in Medical School. (a total of eight so far) Then a year of internship (thats nine years). Any speciality is added on; Eye 3yrs, Surgeon 4yrs, Internist 3yrs, CardiacSurgeon 11years. You are 30 years old and still training!

Medical Scholarship Board Overview

The Old Orleans County Board of Supervisors authorized the Medical Scholarship Board by Resolution on September 8, 1966 as permitted by a 1963 amendment to the New York State Education Law. Scholarships can be granted only to residents of New York State who qualify under the Chapter as amended, who have been admitted to a duly approved Stateside Medical School, i.e. in the United States Proper. Because the charter was granted by the State of New York no Foreign Training Program was acceptable.

Original Charter Members

From Albion: of the Board were Richard C. Bloom, George Wolfe and Dr. John G. Ellis
From Medina were: William Kennedy, Allen Perrez and Dr.. A.F. Leone
From Kendall: David Doyle
The Board: was responsible for Grants being considered in the light of the probable need for Adding or Replacing Primary Care Practitioners in Orleans County.

First Thoughts

In 1969 there was a perceived shortage of rural Doctors : and with the two Hospitals unable to secure new physicians to replace the ageing medical team within the County, the legislature looked for a method to encourage Doctors to settle and practice here in WNY. Richard C Bloom (and insurance agent) and Arnold Gregory Hospital Board member were excited about a program that would allow a County Legislature to develop a plan, using public money, to insure Medical Doctors for the Future. This was possible by a 1963 amendment to the New York State Education Law. Arguably, the discussion that emerged was whether the Money is an outright grant or a loan. Several other New York State Counties also developed similar programs at the time.
General Practitioners: were the topic of the day. Blue Shield and Medicare were not effectively ingrained into Medicine until later. Primary Care Doctors were needed to care for those ailing and help decide who needed to go see a specialist or even be referred to the Big City. Bloom was quoted as saying, "I would like to have them indebted to us and have a need as well as an contractual obligation to return and practice. If they return to our area and practice for six years, they will have more that fully repaid the dollars invested by the public trust. It they do not return, money and interest will be returned to the county treasurer. Dr. Arthur W. Mruczek, president of the Medical Scholarship Board explained "I feel the program has worked well and hasn't really cost the county a cent when you consider the services, employment, and taxes provided by the Doctors that came back. It' is probable the most cost-effective program the county officers."

Basic Concepts

Scholarship Grant Total: when the program was envisioned was $18,000.00 (amended Feb. 2011 to $36,000) as a total Scholarship. It is designed to 'loan' medical students up to $18,000.00 (amended Feb. 2011 to $36,000) over six years of training. Students either guarantee to practice for one year giving a $3,000 (amended Feb. 2011 to $6,000) reduction in their obligation or repay the 'loan' with interest.
Funding: was not to exceed 1/6 of the Total Grant per year of Training (i.e. $1,500 per semester). Less could be requested at the choice of the student. Although $18,000.00 s a substantial sum, it will only pay a fraction of the total costs of medical training. Doctors in training borrow $200 million to offset the expenses of their training.. This was amended to $36,000 in Feb. 2011 and students may receive the payment over four years of training since they are paid after they complete the diadactic training years.
Student Contact: was to be maintained; one face to face and one by phone or letter annually during the years of the contract. This included years when there was not money advanced and during the Payback Period. Failure to keep contact with a member of the board or the legislative representative will result in immediate action to process recover Orleans County's investment.
Scholarship Forgiveness: the Money's Advanced could be forgiven in full if the Doctor practiced full time in Orleans County for six years, 1/6 Outstanding Amount Forgiven for each year. If the physician stays in the county for six years to 'pay back the obligation' chances are strong that permanent residence in the area will follow. Recipients choosing not to return have all made arrangements with the County Treasurer and County Attorney to repay the dollars advanced.

The Theory for Success

Encourage Doctors: to return and practice in a Rural Environment by Funding the 'right' Doc early in their career, thereby avoiding the How You Gonna' Keep 'Em Down On The Farm After They've Seen Paree? By Mark Ulano syndrome.
After Six Years: it was hoped that connections with School, Church, Friends as well as a successful Practice would insure the Doc have a 'HOME' and will stay for an entire career!
Opportunity: will benefit both the young Doctor in training and the Counties' Need to replenish the Medical Pool of Primary Care Practitioners.
Is Orleans County Successful ? Over the years, many Counties have tried this concept. Orleans County is most successful. Statistics are available for you to decide.

Can I Apply?

If you are interested, you can Inquire at any time. Contact any Board Member or member of the Orleans County Legislature.
As permitted by NYS Education Law, only a New York State Resident may qualify.
A portfolio will be created for you when you contact the board in writing or by email.
You must be willing to Practice Medicine in Orleans County when you Finish Med School.
You take the Med-CATS exam.
You must be accepted at a Duly Approved USA Stateside Medical College that leads to a MD of DO degree.
As permitted by NYS Education Law, The OCMSB encourages interaction with any member but will not formally meet with a canidate until a Letter of Medical School Acceptance for a Stateside Medical College is received.

What do I need when meeting with the Board?

As required by NYS Education law, you must be a New York State Resident.
You must provide Med School Letter of Acceptance.
You will need to provide a copy of the Final Undergraduate Academic Record.
Three letters of Recommendation Are Needed

from a Professor.
from an Orleans County Resident.
and a third letter from 'choice'.

A short Essay on your intentions and reflections about Medicine, Goals and Orleans County.
A copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
Agreement to Meet with OCMSB at least twice each year during the life of the Contract (once face to face with a member of the board or legislature and once in writing.
An agreement to establish a Primary Care Practice (Never has been enforced)
A face to face chat with you and family of your choice (spouse etc) and the OCMSB.
You will be required to sign a contract with the Orleans County Legislature and the Medical Scholarship Board. (Contract Provisions will be available after Med School Acceptance Letter is Received)