Community Practitioner Program
Supporting clinicians and advanced practice clinicians who serve in rural and medically underserved communities across North Carolina.
The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation’s Community Practitioner Program (CPP) strengthens healthcare access and improves outcomes across North Carolina by supporting clinicians who serve where the need is greatest.
Through educational loan repayment and professional support, CPP helps reduce barriers that often prevent clinicians, clinician assistants, and nurse practitioners from practicing in rural and underserved communities. By investing in clinician leadership and community-based care, the program advances the Foundation’s mission to increase access to health care for all North Carolinians.
History
Since its founding, the Foundation has invested in educational loan repayment, developed leadership programs for health care professionals, and incubated initiatives that respond to emerging health care needs across North Carolina.
As the health care landscape evolves, NCMSF continues to serve as a catalyst — identifying gaps, piloting solutions, and building partnerships that create sustainable, long-term impact.
How The Program Supports Clinicians & Communities
CPP is designed to expand access to quality health care in rural and medically underserved North Carolina communities by recruiting and retaining primary care clinicians.
Participants Receive:
Educational loan repayment
to reduce medical education debt in exchange for service in qualifying communities
Financial incentives and practice support
to strengthen sustainability and long-term success
Professional development opportunities
including continuing medical education and leadership growth
Practice management resources and technical assistance
to improve operations and patient care
Ongoing networking and retention support
to encourage long-term community integration
The program works in partnership with statewide health workforce agencies and rural health organizations to ensure effective placement and lasting impact.
CPP Legacy Impact
Over the life of the Community Practitioner Program:
clinicians, clinician assistants, and nurse practitioners supported
professional schools represented
unique practice locations
of 100 North Carolina counties served
million in educational loan repayment grants awarded
million in free and reduced care delivered
CPP has strengthened practices, improved patient access, and increased healthcare capacity across North Carolina.
“
Without the CPP grant, I wouldn’t be here.
Today, his practice serves over 32,000 patients annually and has expanded from one provider to more than ten providers.
– Christian Lige
MD