A program to train more primary care physicians in Owensboro is among 70 programs Governor Matt Bevin has tapped for elimination due to budget constraints, but architects of the project say it will move forward.
In a budget address to the Kentucky legislature Tuesday, Governor Bevin proposed eliminating state funds for a three-year family medical residency program, which is a partnership between Owensboro Health and the University of Louisville.
While still in the planning phase, Owensboro Health Marketing and Public Relations Director Brian Hamby said the health system isn't worried about the future of the project.
"We have not requested any additional funds for this next biennium," Hamby told WKU Public Radio. "We're currently receiving an allocation in the current biennium that ends June 30, and we're still operating on those funds."
Hamby added that there’s enough funding to move forward with the next step of the project, which will be recruiting a program director. He said it's unknown if the project will require future state appropriations.
The family medical residency remains on schedule to start in 2019. The program will be based at the old hospital location on Parrish Avenue.
