“ For so many students, the biggest obstacle to becoming a doctor isn’ t talent or dedication— it’ s financial. We hope this fund changes that,” said Lynn Jones, M. D., chief medical officer at Capital Health Plan.“ Alongside the FSU College of Medicine, we’ re investing in students who have the heart for medicine. This is about building a healthier future for our communities.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Bridge program has supported hundreds of aspiring physicians. As of Summer 2025, 214 students had completed the Bridge program. Of the 220 former students tracked, 98 % went on to medical school, with 97 % graduating by Spring 2024, 66 % entering residency in primary care and 55 % practicing in Florida. Almost half, 49 %, practice in medically underserved areas.
“ We’ re very proud of the success of our students,” said Anthony Speights, M. D., senior associate dean for Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences and director of the Bridge program.“ The fact that CHP has given us this vote of confidence speaks volumes and, rest assured, we will be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This gift— which will continue in perpetuity— will help deserving students pursue a rewarding career in health care.”
CHP has a long history of supporting medical education at Florida State. In addition to this new fund, CHP made a charitable gift that created the Nancy Van Vessem, M. D., Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to medical students based on their desire and commitment to practice internal medicine or outpatient geriatrics in North Florida. Van Vessem was a valued faculty member at the College of Medicine and chief medical officer at CHP, where she had worked for more than 20 years, until her death in 2018.
“ Support such as this has a direct and positive impact on the mission of the College of Medicine,” said Alma Littles, M. D., dean of the college.“ CHP has been a great friend to the college and FSU, and we are eternally grateful not only for CHP’ s support, but also for its commitment to medical education and the health of our communities. Because of CHP, we are more effectively meeting the health care needs of Floridians.”
The Bridge scholarship fund is expected to make its first award in the 2025-2026 academic year.
At left, Anthony Speights, M. D., director of the Bridge program, and, at right, Alma Littles, M. D., dean of the College of Medicine, accept a $ 200,000 gift from Capital Health Plan representatives Lynn Jones, M. D., chief medical officer, and Tom Glennon, senior vice president of marketing and administration.
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