New York State has long endured a costly paradox - it trains more doctors and other health professionals than it needs, yet many communities still suffer from a lack of services. This is due, in part, to a system that concentrates training in and around academic health centers. Area Health Education Centers regionalize the training of doctors, nurses, dentists and other health professionals by arranging for some of that training to occur in medically underserved communities.
Research proves that professionals practice where they train.
AHECs also work to make practice in these communities more professionally rewarding. Improved health care in medically underserved communities. Increased preventive care with resulting savings in overall health costs. Support for local hospitals and other existing providers. Stronger foundation for integrated delivery systems.