Rural Residency Planning and Development Program - Proposed Project: Samaritan Healthcare, in partnership with Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, proposes to establish a rural family medicine residency program in Moses Lake, Washington. This program aims to train full-spectrum family medicine physicians to serve the healthcare needs of Grant, Adams, and Lincoln counties in rural eastern Washington. Needs to be Addressed: The target area faces significant healthcare challenges, including a shortage of primary care providers, high rates of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, depression), and limited access to healthcare services. The region also experiences lower per capita income and a significant percentage of uninsured individuals. These factors contribute to long wait times for appointments and delays in treatment, exacerbating regional health challenges. Proposed Services: The residency program will develop a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the unique healthcare needs of rural populations. This curriculum will include rotations in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatrics, inpatient medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgical specialties. The program will also implement strategies to recruit and retain medical students and residents committed to practicing in rural areas. Partnerships with regional hospitals, clinics, and community health centers will provide diverse training environments and enhance clinical experiences. A financial and operational plan will ensure the long-term sustainability of the residency program through various funding sources. Population Groups to be Served: The program will serve a geographically large rural catchment area, including all of Grant and Adams counties and part of Lincoln County. The target population includes a growing number of residents, with a significant portion being elderly. The program aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for these populations by increasing the number of trained family medicine physicians in the region. Expected Outcomes: 1. Achieve ACGME accreditation within the first two years of the grant period. 2. Establish a financially sustainable and operationally stable residency program. 3. Improve patient outcomes and satisfaction through high-quality, resident-led healthcare services. 4. Increase the number of family medicine physicians practicing in the region.
