Rural Medical Residency Program concentrating on obstetrics and gynecology for rural hospitals, can be funded from the Rural Health Inititive or other sources funded by the legislature.

HB 5573 creates a new Rural Medical Residency Program focused specifically on obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) for rural hospitals in West Virginia. The bill directs the Rural Health Initiative to fund this program using existing Rural Health Initiative resources or other legislative appropriations. It prioritizes OB/GYN care - a critical need in rural "health care deserts" where access is limited - as part of the state’s strategy to address shortages of primary care physicians. The program will operate within rural hospitals and align with the Rural Health Initiative Act’s goals to improve health care accessibility in underserved areas.