Home-Grown Healthcare

B Y : D R . J A I M E K H E M R A J ,
C H I E F M E D I C A L O F F I C E R

According to the Florida Hospital Association, Florida is expected to be short nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. A Florida Medical Association study shows a need for 18,000 physicians across the state by 2035, one-third for primary care physicians and the rest for specialists.

While a national shortage of health care providers began before COVID-19, that shortage became worse after the pandemic, causing many to rethink the stress and pressure of the profession. In addition, labor costs are growing, with providers having to take measures like salary adjustments and incentives to attract and retain staff.

These factors have resulted in the perfect storm in Southwest Florida, with a lack of affordable housing, high cost of living and the need for more health care workers to care for a growing aging population, often with complex medical needs.

Healthcare Network began working with farmworkers in Immokalee in 1977 and continues to provide care to underserved and remote communities in Collier County. For years, the nonprofit has recognized the need to train physicians locally, with the hope that they will embrace the mission of closing the gap in care by staying after their training is complete.

Developing training programs in the area can make a difference in workforce supply. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that 65% of Florida medical residents stay in the state after their residency.

Healthcare Network, in partnership with Florida State College of Medicine (FSUCOM), is creating a family medicine residency program. Residents will gain experience in various primary care services, benefiting underserved communities through collaboration with Florida State University.

In 2007, the Florida State University College of Medicine entered an agreement with Healthcare Network to provide medical education and health care services for rural and underserved populations in Immokalee. Multiple options continue for medical students and post-doctoral psychology fellows to complete portions of their required and elective education program in Immokalee.

Federally Qualified Health Centers, such as Healthcare Network, can now join Florida’sStatewide Medical Residency Program to receive funding for residency slots. This new program helps training centers apply for funding to compensate for lost revenue during training.

Healthcare Network in Southwest Florida introduced training programs for medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and phlebotomists to address healthcare worker shortages. Graduates often stay on, benefiting the workforce. They plan to leverage the “Live Healthy” legislation to improve healthcare access, including the TEACH Funding Program.

Kristen Dimas, a valedictorian and graduate of Florida State University College of Medicine, is the founding Program Director of a new Family Medicine Residency program. The program aims to train physicians in community-based settings to serve underserved populations. Healthcare Network also received funding for an Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry Program to train dental residents in collaboration with Lee Health.

About the Author Dr. Jaime nee “Jaime” Khemraj is chief medical officer for Healthcare Network. For information about training and job opportunities, visit healthcareswfl.org/careers