Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kettering Health launch scholarship program to strengthen Ohio’s physician workforce

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kettering Health have launched a new partnership scholarship program designed to reduce financial barriers for medical students, strengthen the physician workforce and improve health outcomes across Ohio—particularly in the Dayton region and other underserved communities.

As part of the initiative, nearly $1 million in scholarships will be awarded to first- and fourth-year medical students, representing an immediate investment in students who are committed to advancing health care in Ohio.

“This is more than a scholarship program—it is a shared investment in the future of health care in Ohio,” said Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “Together, we are supporting students who will go on to improve health outcomes and serve communities across Southwest Ohio for years to come.”

A total of 23 medical students will receive scholarship awards covering full tuition for the fall and spring terms in this initial phase, including:

• Fourth-year medical students who matched into Kettering Health residency programs in 2026 
• First-year medical students from the greater Dayton region

Addressing Workforce Needs Through Education

The scholarship program is part of a broader collaboration between Ohio University and Kettering Health to address rising medical education costs and growing physician workforce shortages, particularly in primary care and high-need specialties.

Kettering Health leaders emphasized the importance of building a sustainable, locally rooted physician pipeline.

“This program reflects our shared commitment to developing the next generation of physicians who will care for our communities,” said R. Shaen Harvey, M.D., system chief medical officer at Kettering Health. “By supporting students from the Dayton region and those training within our system, we are strengthening our ability to recruit and retain talented physicians where they are needed most.”

Creating Immediate and Long-Term Impact

Medical students today face significant financial challenges, with the majority relying on loans and graduating with substantial debt. These financial pressures can influence specialty choice and practice location, often limiting the number of physicians entering primary care or serving underserved communities.

“By investing directly in students, we are removing financial barriers and enabling future osteopathic physicians to follow their calling of providing compassionate care where care is needed most,” said Ken Johnson, vice president for health affairs at Ohio University. “Our partnership with Kettering Health aligns education, training and workforce development in a way that strengthens communities and creates lasting impact in Southwest Ohio and across our state.”