Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP)

Intent

The Texas Statewide Preceptorship Programs (SPP) in Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and General Pediatrics help support the education and training of Texas medical students through early exposure to primary care practice. The programs provide funding to medical students who participate in hands-on learning experiences with practicing primary care physicians across Texas.

The goal of the program is to encourage students to consider careers in primary care by providing meaningful clinical experiences early in medical school. Through these experiences, students gain a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities, patient relationships, and impact of primary care physicians in communities throughout the state. The Texas Statewide Preceptorship Programs were established in 1978 and are authorized under Texas Education Code, Chapter 58, Section 58.006.

Students typically participate in the program during the summer between their first and second year of medical school. During the preceptorship, students work alongside physicians in clinical practice settings and observe the delivery of patient care in real-world environments.

Students are encouraged to complete their preceptorship experience in communities outside the area of their medical school to increase exposure to different healthcare settings and patient populations across Texas. Participants may select from a statewide volunteer faculty network of practicing physicians in Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and General Pediatrics.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include Texas entities that qualify for exemption from federal income tax under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Section 501), as well as entities operated by a state-accredited medical school.

Additional eligibility requirements, application instructions, funding information, and program expectations are outlined in the official Request for Applications (RFA) for the Texas Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP).

View the Texas Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP) Request for Applications – AY 2026–2027

How to Apply

Accepting Applications

To apply for the Texas Statewide Preceptorship Programs (SPP), 2026/2027, click on the link below and follow the instructions outlined in the Request for Application/Application. All submittals must be complete (inclusive of required signatures, acknowledgments, required attachments, etc.) and received by the posted due date. Incomplete and late submittals will not be considered for award.

Application Information

Applications submitted under the Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP) must support preceptorship experiences for medical students enrolled in Texas medical schools who have expressed an interest in pursuing a primary care career. The program is intended to provide early exposure to primary care medical specialties, including Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and General Pediatrics, with the goal of positively influencing future career decisions and practice patterns.

For the 2026–2027 biennium, the 89th Texas Legislature appropriated $4,850,000 for the Statewide Preceptorship Program.

Important Dates

Rules and Regulations

The Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP) was established in 1978 and is authorized under Texas Education Code, Chapter 58, Section 58.006. Funding for the program is appropriated through the General Appropriations Act, Senate Bill 1, Article III, Strategy D.1.2, and Rider 37 of the 89th Texas Legislature.

Impact

The Statewide Preceptorship Program (SPP) provides medical students with early exposure to primary care practice settings through hands-on learning experiences with practicing physicians across Texas.

Through participation in the program, students gain firsthand experience in Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and General Pediatrics while working in clinical practice environments and interacting with diverse patient populations.

The program supports medical student exposure to primary care specialties and community-based healthcare settings that may positively influence future career decisions and practice patterns.