New York state program tries easing shortage of doctors

Doctors Across New York, a program to get more doctors into the secluded corners of Upstate New York and poor neighborhoods around New York City, is announcing its first round of grants. The program is designed to help the more than 25% of New York's population living in areas designated as underserved. The state is awarding $11 million over five years to help doctors repay medical school loans in exchange for a five-year commitment to working in an underserved community in New York. Another $11 million is being awarded over the next two years to help physicians expand or establish medical practices.