CHAMBERSBURG – WellSpan has a long and successful history of helping patients and doctors grow through family medicine residency programs with the first family medicine residents beginning training at WellSpan York Hospital in 1968, one year before family medicine was officially recognized as a specialty, according to hospital officials.
As a whole, WellSpan’s program has graduated 367 family doctors to date, with 13 winning the prestigious Excellence in Graduate Medical Education award from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
The clinic-first model, with several longitudinal rotations and protected time with behavioral science faculty, ensures that residents receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education. The highly sought-after global health track offers unique opportunities for residents to gain international experience, further enriching their training.
New family medicine residency program
Building on the success and legacy of the existing programs, hospital officials have announced a new family medicine residency program at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. This program is designed to provide high-quality, evidence-based training in a supportive and respectful educational environment.
A bright future for family medicine
WellSpan’s commitment to family medicine residencies is a testament to its dedication to improving patient care and developing the next generation of health care leaders, hospital officials explained. The new program at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital is a natural extension of this commitment. It’ll ensure the hospital’s history of excellence continues to grow and serve the communities it is fortunate to care for.
What sets WellSpan apart?
What sets WellSpan apart is the commitment to not just clinical excellence but to cultivating a strong culture of mentorship, well-being and collaboration, hospital officials said.
They recognize that residency isn’t only about sharpening medical skills but also about developing as a leader, communicator and an all-around good person, according to WellSpan officials. The collaboration with Keystone Health will provide residents with real-world experiences and opportunities to serve at-risk populations.
A special team
The team WellSpan has assembled come from different backgrounds, each bringing something unique to the table. What unites the program is the shared vision for the program and the commitment to working together to achieve it, according to WellSpan.
“We are thrilled to be launching this new residency program at Chambersburg Hospital,” Eric Plum, residency program coordinator, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. “It’s a significant step in our ongoing mission to enhance primary care in our communities and to train the next generation of family physicians who are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of our patients.”
Preparing for incoming residents
WellSpan officials said they have been very careful about preparing for the first group of residents at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. They wanted progres to ensure a focus on a robust support system, from faculty and staff development to resident well-being.
By being part of a larger, well-established network of graduate medical education, the new program at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital ensures a rich and diverse educational environment, affiliated with over 150 residents and fellows at WellSpan York Hospital and 21 residents at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, WellSpan officials continued. This new program is poised to address the community’s primary care physician deficit and prepare residents for a successful transition to becoming board-certified family physicians.
Dr. Donna Prill, a seasoned physician and educator, has been appointed as the director of the new family medicine residency program in Chambersburg.
