Chairman Mike Lewis, opened the meeting.  The minutes of the November 26th meeting were approved.

Dr. Lewis announced that the Health Sciences Scholarship Program (HSSP) bill was passed during the legislative session, increasing awards to medical students from $10,000 to $20,000.  This should help counteract loss of graduates to out-of-state residencies that are offering signing bonuses of $30,000 and more. The bill makes master’s level nursing students eligible if they commit to teaching in a state nursing program for two years. This will help with faculty recruitment. Senators Jackson and Plymale championed the bill.

Dr. Lewis said the committee would consider results of this year’s residency match at the May meeting.  It is important to focus more RHEP efforts on residency training, which is required in statute.  Plans call for development of one or two rural residency programs.  Issues include recruitment of faculty; accreditation requirements, both general and family practice specific; integration with AHEC, etc.  Some RHEP sites may be close to meeting requirements.

Staff Report

Alicia provided a copy of the Executive Summary of the WV Nursing Shortage Study Commission, which projects a shortfall of nurses of 2,541 (14%) by 2008.  There is a nationwide shortage of nursing faculty.

She reported that the HSSP awards subcommittee will work with her on the HSSP rules, which will be brought to the May meeting.

 WV Rural Health Access Program (RHAP)

Ken Stone provided an update on Robert W. Johnson/Benedum funding of recruitment and retention projects under Phase II of RHAP. Phase II will provide two years of funding at a reduced level. The overall initiative is eight years, and West Virginia has already received three years of funding. RWJ now requires states to focus on a specific region based on need.

• The Recruitable Community Project, which has worked with seven rural communities, will be partially funded. Development of a practice viability model was not funded.
• Marshall’s proposal for a Rural Practice Procedures program (involving all three schools) to provide training for rural physicians on campus and through visiting faculty and distance learning, was not funded.
• Practice Management Technical Assistance, which will fund a nurse/CPA to provide TA to rural sites, was funded. The Center will continue to provide TA through workshops by consultants.
• Coordinated Placement, which will help support placement coordinators at all three medical schools, regional recruitment fairs, and a recruitment website, was funded.

Mike McCarthy demonstrated the new recruitment website. The site will include information on rural opportunities and candidates looking for placement.  All three schools will use this site and coordinate efforts with the Division of Recruitment.  The system can operate with a minimum of upkeep.

Schools’ Update on Coordinated Placement

Jennifer Plymale introduced Jon Willis, the placement coordinator at Marshall. It is important to develop relationships with students and residents. Jon has begun meeting with 3rd and 4th year students, discussing financial incentives and rural opportunities.  Melissa Wheeler from the Division of Recruitment spoke to a group of 132 residents.  Jennifer and Jon are working with Mike McCarthy on the development of the website and developing recruitment materials with help from Elaine Mason.

Elaine Mason reported on activities at WVU.  She has been a placement coordinator for 3½ years and operates a website.  She works with medical students in Morgantown and Charleston and with residents in 13 programs affiliated with WVU and family practice programs in Wheeling, Clarksburg and Harpers Ferry. She is hosting a Career Day and has invited 51 residents who will be completing training in 2003.

Jim Nemitz introduced Lynn Mugaas, the placement coordinator at WVSOM.  Jim and Lynn work closely with the Division of Recruitment.  Lynn gets to know students through her work as a lab assistant; she will also work with graduates in residency training.  WVSOM received RWJ funding for development of their recruitment and retention website.
 
The meeting was adjourned.