Humana, CenterWell, and NHMA Launch Inaugural Resident Physician Scholarship Program to Strengthen Bilingual Primary Care Workforce
Humana and its healthcare services division, CenterWell, have announced the recipients of their first-ever Resident Physician Scholarship Program, an initiative created in collaboration with the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA). Designed to address the growing need for culturally responsive and bilingual healthcare professionals, the program aims to support the next generation of primary care physicians while improving access to quality healthcare in diverse communities.
The scholarship initiative focuses on bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking physicians completing residency programs in internal medicine and family medicine in Florida. Seven resident physicians have been selected for the inaugural class and will receive financial assistance, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on clinical experiences intended to prepare them for leadership roles in senior primary care.
Addressing a Critical Need in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations across the United States continue to face challenges related to physician shortages and disparities in access to care among minority and underserved populations. Language barriers remain one of the most significant obstacles preventing patients from receiving effective and timely medical care. Patients who are unable to communicate comfortably with their healthcare providers often struggle to explain symptoms, understand treatment plans, and maintain long-term relationships with clinicians.
Recognizing these challenges, Humana and CenterWell developed the Resident Physician Scholarship Program to help cultivate a more diverse and linguistically skilled physician workforce. By supporting bilingual physicians early in their careers, the organizations hope to strengthen patient-provider relationships and improve health outcomes for communities that have historically experienced barriers to healthcare access.
Each scholarship recipient will receive $10,000 to support educational expenses and professional development. Beyond financial assistance, participants will also benefit from a structured mentorship program led jointly by physician leaders from CenterWell and experts associated with NHMA. Additionally, residents will gain practical experience through immersive learning opportunities at CenterWell Senior Primary Care centers.
Building Trust Through Language and Cultural Understanding
According to healthcare leaders involved in the initiative, language concordance between patients and physicians can significantly improve care delivery. When patients are able to communicate in their preferred language, they are more likely to share important details about their health, lifestyle, and concerns. This deeper communication often leads to more accurate diagnoses, stronger treatment adherence, and increased trust between patients and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Yeny Andrade, Associate Medical Director at CenterWell Senior Primary Care, emphasized the importance of investing in bilingual physicians and highlighted the broader impact such investments can have on communities.
She explained that meaningful communication allows healthcare providers to understand patients beyond their immediate medical conditions. Open conversations help physicians gain insight into social factors, family dynamics, and other circumstances that influence health outcomes. These connections foster trust and contribute to more informed medical decisions, ultimately leading to better patient experiences and improved quality of care.
Dr. Andrade noted that supporting bilingual physicians represents one of the most effective ways to enhance healthcare access and create stronger relationships between providers and the communities they serve.
Research Highlights the Consequences of Language Barriers
Studies supported by the National Hispanic Medical Association have demonstrated that communication gaps can negatively affect patient care in several ways. Patients who do not have access to healthcare professionals who speak their language are more likely to encounter medical errors and adverse events. They also tend to report lower satisfaction with their healthcare experiences and reduced trust in the medical system.
Furthermore, language barriers often contribute to missed follow-up appointments and lower adherence to prescribed medications. When patients struggle to understand instructions or feel disconnected from their healthcare providers, continuity of care suffers, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.
These challenges disproportionately affect Hispanic and Latino populations in the United States, many of whom prefer to communicate with physicians in Spanish. Increasing the number of bilingual healthcare professionals is viewed as an important strategy for reducing disparities and promoting equitable healthcare delivery.
Underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino Physicians
Despite substantial demographic changes in the United States over the past several decades, Hispanic and Latino physicians remain significantly underrepresented in the healthcare workforce.
According to data cited by the National Hispanic Medical Association, only around nine percent of physicians in the United States identify as Hispanic or Latino. This percentage has remained relatively unchanged since the 1970s, even though Hispanic and Latino individuals now account for nearly one-fifth of the country’s population.
The imbalance highlights a longstanding challenge facing healthcare organizations and medical institutions. While patient populations continue to become increasingly diverse, the physician workforce has not evolved at the same pace. As a result, many communities face shortages of healthcare professionals who understand their cultural backgrounds and can communicate effectively in their preferred language.
Programs like the Resident Physician Scholarship seek to address this imbalance by encouraging talented bilingual physicians to pursue careers in primary care and by providing resources that help them thrive professionally.
Mentorship and Leadership Development at the Core
In addition to financial support, the scholarship program places a strong emphasis on mentorship and leadership development. The participating residents will have access to experienced physicians and healthcare leaders who can provide guidance throughout their professional journeys.
Mentorship is considered a critical component of physician development. Young doctors often face demanding schedules, evolving responsibilities, and complex career decisions. Having access to mentors who understand these challenges can help residents navigate their careers more effectively while developing confidence and leadership skills.
The program’s mentors include physician leaders from CenterWell as well as experts affiliated with NHMA. Through structured engagement, participants will receive support in clinical practice, professional growth, community engagement, and leadership development.
By fostering these relationships early in physicians’ careers, Humana, CenterWell, and NHMA hope to build a pipeline of healthcare leaders who are committed to serving diverse populations and advancing health equity.
NHMA Applauds the Initiative
Leaders at the National Hispanic Medical Association have praised the scholarship program as an important investment in the future of healthcare.
Dr. Luis Isea Mercado, a member of the NHMA Board of Directors, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Humana and CenterWell in launching the initiative. He described the program as an important step toward developing the next generation of bilingual primary care physicians who will serve Hispanic and Latino communities.
According to Dr. Mercado, strengthening the Latino physician pipeline requires more than simply providing financial assistance. Long-term success also depends on mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities that enable physicians to make lasting contributions to their communities.
He emphasized that investing in future healthcare leaders ultimately benefits patients, families, and healthcare systems by promoting culturally competent and community-focused care.
Florida’s Diverse Population Creates Urgent Need
The decision to focus the scholarship program on Florida reflects the state’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino population. Nearly 30 percent of Florida residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, making it one of the most culturally diverse states in the country.
Despite this demographic reality, Latino physicians remain underrepresented in Florida’s primary care workforce. This mismatch creates challenges for patients seeking healthcare providers who understand their language, culture, and healthcare needs.
Dr. Mercado noted that programs like the Resident Physician Scholarship help bridge these gaps by empowering resident physicians who are committed to compassionate and culturally humble care. By supporting bilingual physicians serving local communities, the initiative can contribute to stronger healthcare systems and better outcomes across the state.
Preparing Physicians for the Future of Senior Primary Care
As the American population ages, the demand for senior-focused primary care services continues to increase. CenterWell Senior Primary Care centers specialize in caring for older adults and managing complex chronic conditions. Through experiential learning opportunities at these centers, scholarship recipients will gain firsthand exposure to value-based care models and patient-centered practices designed specifically for seniors.
These experiences will allow residents to better understand the unique challenges faced by aging populations while developing skills necessary to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care.
By combining financial support, mentorship, and clinical experience, the scholarship program seeks to prepare physicians who can address the evolving needs of patients and communities alike.
A Commitment to Health Equity
The inaugural Resident Physician Scholarship Program represents more than a financial award. It symbolizes a broader commitment by Humana, CenterWell, and the National Hispanic Medical Association to promote diversity, health equity, and culturally responsive healthcare.
Through investments in bilingual physicians, the organizations hope to create a healthcare workforce that reflects the populations it serves while improving communication, trust, and outcomes for patients.
As healthcare systems continue to confront disparities and physician shortages, initiatives such as this scholarship program demonstrate how partnerships between industry leaders and professional organizations can help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for primary care and community health.
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