Graduate Medical Education Development in Central & Northern Wisconsin

Project Description Narrative:

There is a pressing need to develop new graduate medical education (GME) opportunities in order to ensure that there are enough physicians to care for the people of Wisconsin, particularly in rural areas. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a U.S. physician shortage due to a steadily expanding older population, high rates of chronic disease, a more diverse population, and physicians retiring from practice. Wisconsin is expected to experience a shortage of more than 2,000 physicians by 2030. However, available data indicate that up to 86% of in-state Wisconsin medical school graduates who also complete GME in the state will remain in Wisconsin to practice (Wisconsin Hospital Association, 2011).

Yet to-date, there is no formal state or regional GME workforce planning group available for comprehensive consultation to advise, coordinate and facilitate GME expansion or development of new programs in Wisconsin, leaving health systems without ready access to the expertise needed to develop such programs. Through this award, regional partners will collaboratively develop a strategic plan for overcoming barriers to creating and sustaining graduate medical education (GME) expansion in central and northern Wisconsin. In addition, stakeholders will aim to implement methods of linking undergraduate medical education and GME in order to implement successful GME expansion.