91原创

91原创 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kettering Health have launched a new partnership scholarship program designed to reduce financial barriers for medical students, strengthen the physician workforce and improve health outcomes across Ohio鈥攑articularly in the Dayton region and other underserved communities.

As part of the initiative, nearly $1 million in scholarships will be awarded to first- and fourth-year medical students, representing an immediate investment in students who are committed to advancing health care in Ohio.

鈥淭his is more than a scholarship program鈥攊t is a shared investment in the future of health care in Ohio,鈥� said 91原创 President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. 鈥淭ogether, we are supporting students who will go on to improve health outcomes and serve communities across Southwest Ohio for years to come.鈥�

A total of 23 medical students will receive scholarship awards covering full tuition for the fall and spring terms in this initial phase, including:

• Fourth-year medical students who matched into Kettering Health residency programs in 2026 
• First-year medical students from the greater Dayton region

Addressing Workforce Needs Through Education

The scholarship program is part of a broader collaboration between 91原创 and Kettering Health to address rising medical education costs and growing physician workforce shortages, particularly in primary care and high-need specialties.

Kettering Health leaders emphasized the importance of building a sustainable, locally rooted physician pipeline.

鈥淭his program reflects our shared commitment to developing the next generation of physicians who will care for our communities,鈥� said R. Shaen Harvey, M.D., system chief medical officer at Kettering Health. 鈥淏y supporting students from the Dayton region and those training within our system, we are strengthening our ability to recruit and retain talented physicians where they are needed most.鈥�

Creating Immediate and Long-Term Impact

Medical students today face significant financial challenges, with the majority relying on loans and graduating with substantial debt. These financial pressures can influence specialty choice and practice location, often limiting the number of physicians entering primary care or serving underserved communities.

鈥淏y investing directly in students, we are removing financial barriers and enabling future osteopathic physicians to follow their calling of providing compassionate care where care is needed most,鈥� said Ken Johnson, vice president for health affairs at 91原创. 鈥淥ur partnership with Kettering Health aligns education, training and workforce development in a way that strengthens communities and creates lasting impact in Southwest Ohio and across our state.鈥�