Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
Rural Residency Planning and Development Program - Corry Memorial Hospital (CMH) in collaboration with LECOM Health (LH) proposes to establish a Rural Track Program (RTP) in psychiatry. The program targets rural Northwestern Pennsylvania (NWPA) and Western New York (WNY), specifically focusing on Erie, Warren, and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania and Chautauqua County in New York. These areas are characterized by healthcare provider shortages and notable health disparities. The RTP aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare providers in these rural communities, with a specific focus on enhancing access to psychiatric services. The target population includes residents of these rural areas who face challenges such as higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and reduced life expectancy, exacerbated by a lack of adequate healthcare resources. The program involves collaborations between CMH and LH, including clinical training sites and educational resources from LH, the largest medical school in the nation. Clinical rotations and training will occur within LH, including Corry Memorial Hospital, Corry Counseling of LECOM Health, and Millcreek Community Hospital, ensuring diverse and comprehensive training experiences. Specific Goals are: 1. Develop and accredit a Rural Track Program in Psychiatry by July 31, 2027, with a focus on producing physicians who will practice in rural communities 2. Ensure Sustainability for the Rural Track Program in Psychiatry beyond the period of performance. 3. Recruit, retain, and track career outcomes for at least 5 years after the first graduating class of residents. Approach and Methodology: The proposed project will utilize the combined network and resources of Corry Memorial Hospital (CMH) and LECOM Health (LH) to create a dynamic and effective Rural Track Program (RTP) in psychiatry. This approach includes leveraging the expertise of experienced faculty members and the variety of clinical training sites available within the CMH and LH systems. A key component of the program is integration of interprofessional education. This focus is designed to address the specific challenges associated with providing high-quality healthcare in rural settings. The RTP will feature longitudinal clinical training that immerses residents in rural, underserved areas, exposing them to a wide range of psychiatric conditions and treatment scenarios. Telehealth technology will be a pivotal aspect of the program, significantly enhancing the accessibility of psychiatric care for remote and underserved populations, thereby bridging a critical gap in healthcare delivery in these communities. Expected Outcomes: The project is anticipated to achieve several key outcomes, central to the success and impact of the RTP in psychiatry. First, we expect the successful launch and accreditation of the program, establishing a robust training ground for future psychiatrists. A crucial aspect of the program is its long-term sustainability, ensuring that the training and development of psychiatrists in rural settings is an ongoing endeavor. We anticipate gathering valuable data that underscores the effectiveness of the program, particularly in terms of retaining trained physicians within rural communities. Another major outcome will be the enhanced access to psychiatric services across the region, directly elevating the quality of healthcare available to rural populations. Finally, by training and retaining healthcare professionals in these rural communities, the program aims to address not only the immediate healthcare needs but also the long-term challenges faced in these areas, fostering a sustained improvement in overall health and well-being.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).