Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, CEO, UNM Health System | University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
In a significant boost to the future of healthcare in New Mexico, BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico (BCBS NM), Presbyterian Health Plan, and Western Sky Community Care have collectively pledged substantial financial support to The University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center. These contributions, totaling over $2.6 million, are set to transform the landscape of nursing and medical education by providing essential scholarships and endowments aimed at addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the state.
BCBS NM: A $1.6 Million Commitment
BCBS NM’s generous support of $1.6 million will benefit the UNM College of Nursing, with a substantial portion allocated to scholarships for students pursuing post-bachelor’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees with concentrations in nurse-midwifery, pediatric nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health. The vision is to help ensure that graduates practice in New Mexico for an extended period post-graduation. The $1 million gift will be divided equally among 10 students, significantly reducing their financial burden.
Additionally, BCBS NM has contributed $100,000 to the Accelerated BSN Scholarship Fund, which will be divided equally among 10 students. This fund is designed to support students enrolled in the accelerated second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
“Our students are committed to serving their communities, but the financial cost is often a barrier. These DNP and accelerated second-degree students hold an undergraduate degree, making it difficult to secure traditional grants and scholarships. With BlueCross BlueShield’s support, these future nurses, nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners can focus on their studies as they prepare to care for our communities,” said Rosario Medina, PhD., FNP-BC., ACNP., CNS., Dean at UNM College of Nursing.
A key highlight of BCBS NM’s contribution is the creation of the BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico Nursing Endowed Professorship. This $500,000 permanent endowment aims to support faculty recruitment and retention at the UNM College of Nursing.
Presbyterian Health Plan: $580,000 for OB/GYN Education
Presbyterian Health Plan has dedicated $580,000 to the UNM School of Medicine for scholarships for students pursuing advanced degrees with a concentration in obstetrics-gynecology (OB/GYN). This includes $340,000 allocated to five fourth-year medical students accepted into OB/GYN residency programs and $240,000 to support 26 UNM OB/GYN residents.
Western Sky Community Care: $450,000 for Nursing Scholarships
Western Sky Community Care has established a Nursing Scholarship Fund with a contribution of $450,000. This fund aims to support students interested in rural health areas such as OB/GYN and pediatrics. The scholarships will be divided among 10 students who are committed to providing clinical care in New Mexico following graduation.
“This generous gift from Western Sky Community Care will alleviate the financial burdens of returning to school and allow students who may not have been able to return for an advanced degree,” said Medina.
A Unified Vision for Healthcare in New Mexico
Bill Uher emphasized what amounts to an unprecedented collaboration between these three companies.
“It’s unique for three different companies to have this shared vision around how to address the shortage of nurses and physicians in New Mexico,” Uher said. “Even deeper than that they share this vision about how they can advance care in specialties that are very underrepresented.”
Uher highlighted that discussions never focused on business benefits but rather on student debt impacts on career decisions.
Reducing Student Debt To Retain Talent
Uher pointed out that reducing student debt is crucial for retaining healthcare workers within New Mexico compared with states like Texas or Colorado that typically offer higher pay rates.
The contributions from BCBS NM; Presbyterian Health Plan; Western Sky Community Care address immediate financial needs while ensuring long-term benefits for UNM Health Sciences community members.
“These gifts are about addressing greatest healthcare needs including access disparities recruiting professionals rural areas,” concluded Uher.
“Could you imagine being a College student receiving call saying ‘we want give scholarship finish DNP program’? Or third-year told get valued about going your fourth year? It incredible – money heaven.”
