The Next Generation of Caregivers
As our population continues to grow, and grow older, the need for physicians
has increased. As a result many communities across the nation are experiencing
significant doctor shortages—but that's not the case in southwest Michigan.
Last year alone, 21 new physicians (MDs and DOs) and 31 advanced practitioners,
including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives joined
our medical staff. This is in large part because, over a decade ago, Lakeland made a
commitment to recruit and retain elite, next generation physicians and surgeons.
Not only are we focused on attracting the next generation of medical
professionals, we are also honored to play a role in training them.
Beginning in 2010, Lakeland began serving as a base hospital for medical
students completing their clinical training rotations through a partnership with
the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In July of 2011,
the program welcomed three internal medicine and six emergency medicine
residents who would be with us for the next three years.
Since then, 37 physicians have completed their residencies at Lakeland Health
and we are currently training 61. Of those, 18 have chosen to continue practicing
medicine in southwest Michigan after graduation.
As residents began relocating to Lakeland it provided us with a unique opportunity
to transform the former site of the Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph into
a modern residential community, Lookout Point, which opened its doors in June 2016.
Another significant accomplishment last year was the accreditation of our
emergency medicine residency program by the Accreditation Council for
Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). As one of only five programs in the
nation, we now have the opportunity to train both allopathic
physicians (MD) and osteopathic physicians (DO).
Most recently, the Lakeland Board of Directors made
the decision to once again invest in our facilities through
the creation of a 260,000 square foot Pavilion at
Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. The new Pavilion
is a medical facility for the future, not only for the patients
we serve, but also for the next generation of caregivers.
As you can see, we are honored to play a critical role
in shaping future doctors and the future of health
care in our region. In the years to come you can
continue to expect the very best talent,
knowledge, and clinical care from our
enhanced physician team.
