SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Plans for a Springfield medical program to train doctors are stalled because of a lack of state funds.

The proposal was for a partnership between Missouri State University and the University of Missouri. It would allow students to spend their final two years of medical training observing doctors from CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Supporters said the program would help address a shortage of doctors in the region.

The Springfield News-Leader reports Gov. Jay Nixon said Friday during a visit to Missouri State that the program has strong support but the funding is frozen.

The $10 million start-up funds were withheld in mid-2013 and no plan is in place to include it in future spending. He says the state needs to have enough money to sustain the program.