GME Fellowship Expansion Grant - Rural Health Transformation Program

Summary

the Rural Health Transformation Program. Funds support a net increase in filled Fellowship slots in high-need specialties. Up to 12 slots statewide. Each slot: $200,000 per PGY year, up to 3 years. Fellows commit to 5 years combined training and rural Georgia practice. Intent-to-apply deadline is March 15, 2026; first payments begin November 1, 2026. Priority to Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, General Surgery, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Neurology. Full eligibility, application steps, and requirements detailed on program web page.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rural Georgia hospitals and health systems, and academic program partners, physically located at hospitals listed as Value-Based Care Model Eligible Hospitals under the Rural Health Transformation Program (per DCH list). Applicants must propose a net increase in funded Fellowship slots over baseline (Jan 1, 2026). Priority specialties include: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, General Surgery, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Neurology. Other specialties considered per state workforce need and program merit.

Requirements Checklist

• Programs must: (1) Notify GBHCW of intent to expand slots by March 15, 2026, (2) Propose only new, net-increase Fellowship slots, (3) Ensure program located at an eligible GA hospital (see linked DCH list), (4) Comply with NRMP deadlines and notify GBHCW after Match Day regarding slots filled, (5) Use funds only for salaries/benefits, teaching faculty salary, up to $50,000 in clinic diagnostic equipment, and educational expenses, (6) Fellows must commit to combined five years of training and practice in rural Georgia. Progress and placement reporting to GBHCW required.