According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, under the federal definition of Health Professional Shortage Areas, 61 out of Alabama’s 67 counties are considered as having a primary care shortage. There are 4.1 primary care physicians per 10,000 people in Alabama’s rural counties compared to 7.9 in urban areas. To help meet this need, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama committed to invest in primary care scholarships designed to improve access to healthcare statewide.
Scholarship Eligibility
Each year, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine nominates students for full-tuition scholarships through the Blue Cross Scholars Program. Scholarships are available to students planning to pursue careers in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OBGYN, or Psychiatry. Recipients are expected to match in a designated residency and serve a minimum of three years post-residency in a medically underserved/rural community in Alabama.
BCBS Scholars Program in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics
- 2-year full-tuition scholarship (up to the in-state tuition amount)
- Available to rising MS3 and MS4 students
- If first awarded as an MS4, the scholarship funds from the previous year are paid retroactively.
- Commitment to serve in a medically underserved/rural community in Alabama for 3 years after residency training.
BCBS Scholars Program in OBGYN and Psychiatry
- 3-year full-tuition scholarship (up to the in-state tuition amount)
- Available to rising MS2, MS3, and MS4 students
- If first awarded as an MS3 or MS4, the scholarship funds from the previous year(s) are paid retroactively.
- Commitment to serve in a medically underserved/rural community in Alabama for 3 years after residency training.
Scholarship Application Process
To be considered for the Blue Cross Scholars Program, students must:
- Be in good academic standing
- Complete the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Scholarship application in BSMART for the respective academic year. The application typically launches in mid-February with a March 31 deadline to be considered for this award.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the respective academic year.
- Indicate interest to Medical Student Financial Services via email. A call for applications with additional details will be sent out to students each spring semester.
Learn More
Representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield are hosting a Lunch & Learn event on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12pm for rising MS2, MS3, and MS4 students interested in learning more about their full-tuition scholarship opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year.
For additional questions or information, contact Medical Student Financial Services at 205.934.2332 or medschoolscholarship@uab.edu