San Juan- Puerto Rico Medical Defense Insurance Company (PRMD) has launched a new nonprofit organization aimed at strengthening the island’s future healthcare workforce amid ongoing concerns over physician shortages and medical migration.
The newly created PRMD Foundation, LLC will provide financial, academic and wellness support for medical students in Puerto Rico, according to an announcement made by the organization this week.
The initiative will focus on helping students cover some of the most costly aspects of medical training, including: USMLE Step examination, academic review courses, educational materials, scientific publication and student wellness initiatives.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be actively enrolled in medical school
- Be in their third or fourth year
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00
- Demonstrate financial need
- Commit to practicing medicine in Puerto Rico for at least two years after graduation
“Investing in our medical students means investing in Puerto Rico’s healthcare future,” said Víctor Santiago, president of PRMD Foundation.
The launch comes as Puerto Rico continues to face mounting pressure on its healthcare system due to physician shortages, an aging population and the migration of healthcare professionals to the mainland United States.
According to data from the Puerto Rico College of Physicians and Surgeons and public health organizations, the island has lost thousands of doctors over the past decade, many of whom cite lower reimbursement rates, burnout and economic challenges as reasons for leaving the island.
Healthcare access remains a growing concern, particularly in rural municipalities and specialized fields where physician shortages are becoming more pronounced.
PRMD, founded more than 23 years ago by physicians, currently insures more than 6,000 doctors and healthcare professionals across Puerto Rico, making it one of the island’s leading medical malpractice insurance providers.