This edition is a powerful reminder of partnerships that are thriving across Central Florida, all united by a common goal: infusing the healthcare system with top-tier providers at a time when demand far surpasses supply. The best part is that the ones highlighted in this edition’s features are just the tip of the iceberg!
Skeptical?
BayCare recently shared a promising update on the Winter Haven Hospital/Florida State University Family Medicine Residency Program. Since its launch in 2020, the program has been a tremendous boon for healthcare in Polk County. Originally aiming to retain at least 50% of its graduates in the county, it has far exceeded expectations: Now, five years in, nearly 80% of the 19 resident physicians who have graduated from the program since 2020 practice, or will be practicing, in Polk.
Seeking to build on its early success, BayCare announced in 2024 that it planned to increase its residency positions to more than 650 by 2029.
Not only is the program training doctors who stay in the area, but Dr. Nathan Falk, founding director of the program, says it has logged a staggering 100% passing rate on the board exams. He calls the achievement “pretty phenomenal.”
Meanwhile, HCA Florida just announced that roughly 100 new doctors are starting their residencies or fellowships at Lake Monroe Hospital and Osceola Hospital. They are a portion of 720 physicians training across the state in high-demand specialties like primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and cardiology through the University of Central Florida -HCA Florida Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Consortium. HCA Healthcare notes that this partnership is the fastest-growing graduate medical education program in the state, with 44 accredited programs across Florida.
These examples are just a few of the bright spots pointing to a promising future for health care in a state where the medical ranks can undoubtedly use the reinforcements.