Teaching Health Center (THC) Graduate Medical Education (GME) Payment Program - Project Abstract - HRSA 25-077 Title: Syracuse Community Health Center Urban Family Medicine Residency Program The Syracuse Community Health (SCH) Family Medicine Residency Program (FMRP) aims to develop a comprehensive training program that will prepare 12 residents over the course of three years to serve the healthcare needs of both urban and rural communities. This program builds upon our FQHC’s mission and vision to provide high-quality, affordable care to the area’s population. This initiative addresses the shortage of primary care providers in underserved areas, particularly in Onondaga County, New York. The FMRP seeks to attract diverse residents, especially those from underrepresented groups in medicine, and equip them with the skills necessary to provide culturally competent, patient-centered care. Through strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions such as Rome Health, Samaritan Medical, St. Joseph’s Health, Loretto Health and Rehabilitation, Reflection Dermatology, and Wynn Hospital/Mohawk Valley Health System, the program will offer a wide range of clinical experiences, ensuring residents are prepared to meet the challenges of high-need populations. SCH serves the city of Syracuse and the greater Onondaga County, designated as a Healthcare Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care, dental care, and mental health services. Onondaga County, home to the city of Syracuse, ranks as one of the poorest cities in the United States, with 31% of its population living in poverty—more than double the rate of New York State. SCH operates five healthcare centers and eight school-based sites, providing a broad range of services, including primary care, dental care, and mental health support. As a model patient-centered medical home, SCH emphasizes holistic care that addresses the social determinants of health, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all. The first cohort of four residents is set to matriculate on July 1, 2025. SCH will implement a robust recruitment strategy, utilizing both in-person and digital outreach, including social media campaigns and webinars to showcase the quality of its faculty and the unique learning opportunities in Syracuse’s vibrant urban environment. The program will highlight the diverse patient population and focus on training physicians who are compassionate, culturally sensitive, and equipped to address the complex healthcare needs of underserved communities. By the end of their residency, 12 FMRP residents will have received high-quality, comprehensive training across various medical disciplines and settings. Through its partnerships with regional healthcare providers, the program will ensure residents gain experience in urban and rural medicine while focusing on health equity, cultural competency, and patient-centered care. This comprehensive approach will prepare graduates to enter the workforce as skilled primary care providers capable of improving healthcare outcomes in high-need areas.
