March 28, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott L. Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
COLUMBIA, MD – On Friday, March 29th, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will announce the Practice Howard Initiative recipients during a launch event at the Medical Pavilion at Howard County. This important program will bring much-needed medical professionals to our community, giving 4,000 residents better access to primary care. Two practices will be announced, and one has already chosen their doctor.
As Howard County’s population grows and grays, the current shortage in primary care and internal medicine doctors is exacerbated. Many doctors practicing in Howard County are nearing retirement age, and plan to cease practice of medicine within the next decade. This gap leaves many residents without a medical home, or with long wait times to schedule appointments to receive care.
The Practice Howard initiative is a targeted recruitment program for primary care providers (PCPs) that provides funding for loan repayment, practice support and additional specialized training. Starting in FY19, HCGH (the County served on the Selection Committee) worked to bring two primary care physicians to practice in Howard County. These physicians would receive loan repayment, practice and training support in exchange for a commitment to practice in Howard County for a minimum of five years.
WHAT:
Launch of Practice Howard Initiative, featuring an announcement of the first two recipients of the grant program
WHEN:
Friday, March 29 at 11:30 AM
WHERE:
Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Dr. Columbia, MD 21044
WHY:
To bring young, talented medical professionals to Howard County
WHO:
Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive
Steven Snelgrove, President, Howard County General Hospital
Dr. Jeanette Nazarian, Howard County General