SYRACUSE (AP) -- A federal proposal would help stem a brewing crisis of a physician shortage in upstate New York.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer says more than 40 percent of upstate doctors are over 55 years old and the number of physicians retiring each year is rising.

Many rural areas of Upstate New York have struggled to bring in enough young doctors to replace retiring physicians. In 2009, Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton had to close it's maternity ward after they were unable to recruit an obstetrician.

On Thursday, Schumer asked Congress to renew a plan that helps pay off student loans for doctors who agree to work in an under-served area for at least five years.

"Once they stay here for five years, they meet husbands and wives, their kids go to the schools, they live in the area and they stay," said Schumer.

Current Upstate University Hospital resident Allison Wernar knows doctors who plan on working in a rural area in return for help with their debt. The Association of American Medical Colleges says the average medical student takes on $156,456 in debt but Wernar said there are other factors for a young doctor to consider a well

"I think the biggest thing seems to be if people have family in the area or some sort of background of comfort to staying more than that," said Wernar.  "But I would imagine because of the financial debt, that plays a role."

Senator Schumer says his proposed bill would increase the number of residency positions at Upstate New York hospitals by 15%. Schumer says that would give more doctors time to see the area and develop roots in Upstate communities.

Upstate University Hospital resident Kate Waylia said Schumer's plan could be very enticing to medical students who are carrying a lot of debt but there may still be obstacles to bringing some doctors to rural areas.

"I think it could make a difference in terms of attracting people to the area but long term, if they have families, it's going to make a difference if their spouses or family members can get jobs," said Waylia.

Schumer said the doctor incentive bill has some bi-partisan support in Congress but it also faces tough opposition.

Schumer says the program that helps physicians pay huge medical school bills works because many doctors stay in their upstate assignments even after their five-year commitment is completed.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)