Developing Residency Programs

Problem:
Healthcare staffing and physician shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing hospitals to today, with primary physicians growing by 14 percent from 2013 to 2015 and specialty care physician demand growing by an average of 31 percent. South Carolina ranked 38th nationally in physician supply during that same time period and 40th in primary care physicians.

The Goal:
Tidelands Health launched a family medicine residency program in a partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina to bring new doctors to the region and improve patient care by reducing staffing burdens and creating a stronger culture of education and innovation. Studies indicate that states and hospitals who have available jobs for residents retain those new physicians well.

Method & Implementation:
Tidelands Health designed the three-year Family Medicine Residency Program in concert with MUSC, who will provide curriculum and some faculty. Residents with treat new patients in a newly-constructed state-of-the-art facility in Horry County. To program focuses on physician resilience and wellness, top concerns for incoming residents, as well as on creating transformational leaders who can make big impacts on the healthcare environment as well as the health systems they serve.

Resources:
http://www.thestate.com/news/business/health-care/article13834667.html

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