HHS Awards More Than $11 Million to Expand Medical Residencies in Rural and Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON — September 4, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today awarded $11.2 million to support the development of 15 new physician residency programs in rural communities across 14 states. The Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program awards will create new residency programs in family medicine, internal medicine, preventive medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery, helping to strengthen the health workforce in rural and tribal communities.

“Where you live should not determine whether you can find a doctor,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are bringing physician training directly into rural and tribal communities, where doctors are needed most. By training physicians in these communities, we can build a stronger local workforce, expand access to care, and ensure rural families can get the care they need close to home.”

Since the RRPD program was established in 2019, HRSA has invested nearly $77 million across 36 states and one territory to build a pipeline of physicians trained in rural communities. As of July 2026, these investments have resulted in 66 accredited rural residency programs, 818 approved residency positions, and more than 850 resident physicians enrolled in rural training settings.

“Rural communities deserve access to the physicians they need,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “With the nation facing health workforce shortages today, we need to build the pipeline now. By investing in the next generation of rural doctors, HRSA is helping communities develop a strong, lasting physician workforce that brings care closer to families, addresses chronic disease earlier, and benefits rural patients long after the grant period ends.”

Each award recipient will receive up to $750,000 over three years to support the planning and development activities needed to establish a new rural residency program. These activities include securing accreditation, developing curricula, recruiting and developing faculty, and recruiting residents. Recipients will also develop long-term financing plans using sources such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other public or private funding. These plans are designed to sustain programs beyond the federal planning period, turning a time-limited federal investment into lasting physician training capacity for rural communities.

Learn more about the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program and see the FY 26 award recipients.