The Vision

In 2007 the Mississippi Legislature authorized the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP), creating a unique longitudinal program that identifies rural college students who aspire to return to their roots to practice medicine. Academic enrichment, faculty and physician mentoring plus solid medical school financial support through the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program will enable capable young Mississippians to address the challenge of Mississippi's health care crisis.

The Mission

MRPSP's three phases include: Initial--prior to matriculation to medical school; Medical school training; and generalist residency training. Maintaining a high level of awareness and involvement in Mississippi's rural health care is a constant in every phase of training. Channeling scholars into five primary care specialties (Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Medical Pediatrics or General Internal Medicine) will target the current rural physician shortage. MRPSP is good news for small town medicine!

To jump start the flow of primary care physicians in the health care pipeline in 2008, ten UMMC School of Medicine students were awarded state funded scholarships valued at $30,000 for 2008-2009. The number doubled in 2009. Ten more were added in 2010..This year 43 recipients' awards are funded through the combined resources of the Mississippi Legislature, the Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi, the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation and the Madison Charitable Foundation.

Each scholar embraces their small town values and culture, sharing a common passion for making a difference through missionary zeal or maverick determination. The challenge of fully funding renewable scholarships each year remains.

Former MRPSP scholar Dr. P. Brent Smith received the Gary W. Jefcoats Award, presented each year to two second-year residents for exemplifying outstanding teaching characteristics in the areas of medical student, resident and patient educations.