If this edition of Central Florida Health News doesn’t give you hope, then I don’t know what will. There’s often talk about the urgent need for more healthcare providers in Polk County. In fact, some of the numbers that came out of the State of the County 2025 forum earlier this year highlight just how critical the situation has become.
Consider this: The state average is 261.2 physicians for every 100,000 residents, yet Polk County has just 115.6 — less than half of the state average.
That’s why any step toward bringing more medical professionals into our community is a win worth celebrating, and that’s just what a new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine aims to do.
The feature article on page 14 of this edition takes a closer look at how the two institutions are teaming up to create a fast track for high-achieving students looking to enter the medical field — cutting the traditional eight-year journey down to six. The article explains how the initiative will create a smooth, swift transition for students in Florida Poly’s STEM programs to go directly into medical training at OCOM.
Meanwhile, Polk State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is making its own impact. Students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience by working with clients at The Mission of Winter Haven. In turn, those clients receive crucial support in developing everyday life skills.
I’d call that another win and a sign that the next generations of healthcare providers — the doctors and nurses of tomorrow — will make for a brighter future where there’s enough healthcare to go around.
On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, I hope you have a happy and healthy start to the school year!