Texas deprived of primary-care doctors

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas is in desperate need for primary care physicians, and state lawmakers are trying to help. If House Bill 1876 becomes law, it would help new doctors pay off student loans if they become a primary-care physician in an under-served area in Texas.

More than 100 counties in Texas lack access to primary-care physicians. The bill proposes changing the way smokeless tobacco is taxed to get the money needed by the state.

A doctor who helps train medical students at Brackenridge Hospital said medical students often owe around $160,000. Many students would rather land a job in private practice to make more money.

Rep. Warren Chisum (R-Pampa) co-sponsored the bill. Chisum said both Republicans and Democrats support the bill. However, tobacco companies oppose it.

It is estimated Texas is short 4,500 physicians. A house committee will discuss the bill sometime next week.