Central Michigan University Medical Education Partners has received a $750,000 federal grant to establish the first rural residency training program in the state. This initiative aims to address the significant shortage of doctors in Michigan's rural communities, particularly in the Thumb region.
The three-year grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will fund the development of a family medicine residency track. The program is a collaboration with Scheurer Health and Covenant HealthCare and represents a major step toward improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
Key Takeaways
- CMU Medical Education Partners secured a $750,000 federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
- The funding will be used to create Michigan's first accredited rural residency program for family medicine.
- The program will be based in the Thumb region, with residents spending over half their training time at rural sites like Scheurer Health.
- This initiative directly addresses the critical shortage of physicians in rural Michigan.
- The first group of residents is expected to start in July 2027, following the accreditation process.
Addressing a Statewide Healthcare Gap
The grant marks a pivotal moment for medical education in Michigan. According to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, there are currently no accredited rural residency program tracks anywhere in the state. This new initiative from CMU Medical Education Partners is designed to fill that void.
Physician shortages are a persistent problem across the United States, but the issue is especially severe in rural areas. This program intends to create a direct pipeline of medical professionals trained and experienced in the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
"With the leverage of this award, we will explore the options of creating a sustainable model to address a critical shortage of physicians in rural areas," stated Dr. Samuel Shaheen, president and CEO of CMU Medical Education Partners.
The core idea is that by embedding medical trainees in these communities, they will be more likely to establish their careers there long-term.
The National Rural Health Challenge
Rural communities across the U.S. face significant barriers to healthcare access. These areas often have older, sicker, and less affluent populations compared to urban centers. A lower physician-to-patient ratio means longer wait times and greater travel distances for basic medical care, leading to poorer health outcomes. Programs like this one are seen as a critical strategy to incentivize doctors to practice outside of major metropolitan areas.
Program Structure and Partnerships
The new program is a focused effort in family medicine. Residents from the CMU College of Medicine will complete a significant portion of their training in a rural setting. A key requirement is that at least 51 percent of their training must take place at Scheurer Health and other partner sites in the Thumb region.
This hands-on experience is designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of practicing medicine in a smaller community. The initiative is built on a strong partnership between several key healthcare organizations.
Key Collaborators
- CMU Medical Education Partners: The Saginaw-based lead organization responsible for developing and administering the program.
- Scheurer Health: A primary rural training site where residents will gain practical experience.
- Covenant HealthCare: A partner organization supporting the development of the talent pipeline.
Dr. Ross Ramsey, CEO of Scheurer Health, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. "Physician shortages are a significant problem throughout the country, which are magnified in rural areas," he said. "We are excited that Scheurer Health can help address this shortage by providing training that will help provide a pipeline of physicians for rural Michigan and the Thumb."
Grant Details
- Amount: $750,000
- Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Program: Rural Residency Planning and Development Program
- Duration: Three years
- Goal: To build the infrastructure needed for official accreditation as a rural residency track.
Building a Future for Rural Medicine
Leaders involved in the project believe the program will offer more than just medical training. They see it as an opportunity for residents to form deep connections with the communities they serve.
Bethany Figg, director of graduate medical education at CMU Medical Education Partners, emphasized the personal aspect of the training. She noted that working in rural settings allows medical learners to care for patients where community ties are strong.
"Rural training will provide our learners with a chance to care for patients in settings where connections run deep and communities quickly feel like home," Figg explained. "Those experiences often stay with them, inspiring many to put down roots and continue practicing where their skills are needed most."
This sentiment was echoed by Beth Charlton, president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. "Extraordinary care requires extraordinary physicians and developing an inspired talent pipeline dedicated to that effort, paramount," she stated. "We are excited and grateful for this opportunity."
Next Steps and Timeline
The $750,000 grant provides the necessary funding for CMU Medical Education Partners to develop the program's infrastructure and curriculum. The next major step is to navigate the formal accreditation process.
The organization will use the three-year grant period to finalize all requirements and submit an application for accreditation. If the application is approved, the program will be on track to welcome its first cohort of residents.
Officials have set a target date of July 2027 to begin training the first group of physicians in this new rural track. This timeline allows for the careful planning and development needed to ensure the program's long-term success and its positive impact on healthcare in Michigan's Thumb region.