Guam § 52102 - Purpose and Intent.

§ 52102. Purpose and Intent.

The purpose of this Act is to improve patient accessibility to

healthcare providers through the retention and recruitment of physicians

by encouraging eligible health care professionals to serve in shortage

areas by providing financial support in the form of loan repayments if the

participant serves on Guam.

I Liheslaturan Guåhan finds that there is a significant shortage of

physician specialists around the world, and especially on Guam. Access

to medical specialists on the island is very limited, and must be

addressed. I Liheslatura recognizes that the recruitment of medical

specialists is hampered by the pay given to physicians. I Liheslatura

further recognizes that given the government of Guam’s current

economic shortfall, the government cannot afford to pay close to the

national average of medical specialists. The American College of

Emergency Physicians reports that physician incomes are higher than

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RETENTION EDUCATION DEBT REPAYMENT PROGRAM

most occupations in order to allow for the repayment of high levels of

debt.

It is the intent of I Liheslatura to offer other incentives that will

attract residents and former residents of Guam, who have left the island

to pursue a medical degree, to come back home and serve our

community. One incentive is to offer a medical school debt repayment

program. I Liheslatura finds that there has been a steady increase,

climbing six percent (6%) annually, in school tuition and expenses for

medical students that have resulted in high levels of graduating student

indebtedness which leads medical students to find high paying medical

jobs that will assist in the repayment of their educational loans. It is the

intent of I Liheslatura to offer a medical school debt repayment program

for residents and former residents of Guam who are willing to practice on

Guam.