Governor Greg Abbott announces $5.5 million in grants to strengthen primary care training for Texas medical students
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced $5.5 million in grants to help expand hands-on training opportunities for future physicians across Texas, with a focus on strengthening the state’s primary care workforce and improving access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities.
The funding will be distributed through three Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP) grants awarded to professional medical societies that provide training in family medicine, general internal medicine, and pediatrics, including pediatric subspecialties.
Governor Abbott said the investment is intended to encourage more medical students to pursue careers in primary care while helping address healthcare needs in communities that often face physician shortages.
“Texas families deserve quality primary care close to home,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will give medical students early hands-on experience with practicing physicians so they can pursue careers that bring that care to rural and underserved communities. The Statewide Preceptorship Program delivers the mentorship and real-world tools students need to expand access for Texans across the state.”
Program introduces students to primary care early in medical school
The Statewide Preceptorship Program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), was established in 1978 to expose medical students to primary care specialties early in their education.
Most students participate during the summer between their first and second years of medical school, when they work directly alongside practicing physicians in real healthcare settings.
According to state officials, the experience allows students to gain a better understanding of the daily responsibilities of primary care doctors while receiving valuable mentorship from experienced medical professionals.
The program also encourages students to complete their preceptorships outside the region where they attend medical school. Officials believe this gives participants exposure to different communities and may encourage them to build careers in rural or medically underserved parts of Texas where additional healthcare providers are needed.
Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the program plays an important role in preparing the next generation of physicians.
“The Statewide Preceptorship Program is a prime example of how we are leveraging existing workforce expertise towards building new healthcare talent across Texas,” said Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser. “Students gain valuable hands-on experience and mentoring in real-world healthcare settings, which is essential to expanding the network of primary care doctors dedicated to improving lives across all areas of Texas.”
For the 2026-2027 funding cycle, the grants have been awarded to three organizations.
The Texas Pediatric Society will receive $1,941,708, the Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians will receive $1,616,666, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians will receive $1,941,709.
State officials said the funding is expected to strengthen the pipeline of future primary care physicians while improving access to quality healthcare for Texans living in communities with the greatest medical needs.
