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The Florida State University College of Medicine has embraced its latest cohort of 131 physician residents and fellows in its Graduate Medical Education (GME) initiatives throughout the state.
In partnership with nine healthcare collaborators, FSU GME now provides 26 residencies and fellowships. This new cohort joins over 264 physicians currently enrolled.
“We are continually expanding our GME initiatives to directly tackle Florida’s escalating physician deficit and enhance access to exceptional healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas,” stated Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine.
“None of this would be attainable without the robust partnerships we maintain with hospitals, clinics, and physicians throughout the state, the backing of the Florida Legislature, and the dedication of our 325 faculty who, even as busy physicians, are committed to medical education and training the forthcoming generation of physicians.”
The FSU GME program has been accelerating its growth. Since July, the program has taken on two fellowships through the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, which promotes the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, four physician residency programs at Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals, also located in Northwest Florida, as well as the family medicine residency program and family medicine OB/GYN fellowship at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
“Many individuals believe we merely train residents and fellows. Our mission is larger. Our obligation is greater,” expressed Bill Boyer, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for all sponsored GME programs at the College of Medicine. “Our GME initiative not only addresses workforce development, but we also concentrate on attracting high-quality academic physicians into the community who are eager to teach and care for patients. Research indicates many individuals prefer treatment in academic medical centers. We also aid our partners in pinpointing and broadening service lines and care — both tertiary and quaternary — all for the advantage of the citizens of our state.”
Florida’s growing population and physician deficit have garnered the attention of the Florida Legislature. In March 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis enacted four bills collectively referred to as Live Healthy. A key aspect of the legislation emphasizes the need to increase medical residency positions.
Data reveals there is a 75% retention rate for physicians who attend medical school and complete their residencies in Florida. According to a recent report from the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, FSU-sponsored residency programs rank among the most sought-after in the state. This study analyzed the percentage of available residency slots filled by medical school graduates in 75 Florida hospitals and other healthcare providers from 2020 to 2024. FSU-sponsored residency and fellowship programs achieved a 100% match rate in each of the five years, a rate accomplished by only nine others.
“Our program, along with our healthcare collaborators, fills all available slots each year,” Boyer noted, indicating that further GME expansion is expected as FSU Health continues to grow statewide. FSU Health is an innovative initiative established by the university to enhance health in North Florida by utilizing FSU’s cutting-edge research capabilities and educational offerings to forge new alliances with clinical care providers.
Each year, the College of Medicine graduates around 120 new physicians, most of whom enter residency programs within the state. With its most recent graduating class, the college has over 2,000 alumni, with more than 600 actively practicing or completing residencies statewide, delivering essential health services.
All practicing physicians in the United States must successfully complete a residency program after graduating from medical school. Residencies, which last three to seven years depending on the specialty, are a vital phase in the training of new physicians as they acquire practical experience under the supervision of senior physicians. A fellowship is an optional, advanced, and specialized training program that doctors pursue following residency.
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