Monday, February 19, 2018

Training the Next Generation of Providers

Deanna Hill, Student Pharmacist (Class of 2021),
Cedarville University
GREENVILLE, February 2018 – In 2013, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projected there would be a shortage of 20,400 primary care physicians by 2020, nationally. With the expansion of the Affordable Care Act, the number increased to 45-50,000 by 2025 with some estimates as high as 90,000. Rural and underserved areas feel the biggest impact of the shortage as clinics struggle to recruit and retain the clinical workforce necessary to meet patient needs.

In response, Family Health Services has taken a proactive role in finding solutions for Darke County. Engaging the right candidates and exposing them to rural healthcare through immersion and education are the highest priorities. Their hope is students walk away more informed and feel at home, professionally, in a rural healthcare setting. Family Health’s vision is not limited to primary care physicians, but also extends opportunities to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dental residents, pharmacy students, and even high school students who may be considering a career in the medical field.

The last two articles focused on Family Health’s partnerships with The Ohio State University, Wright State University, and New York University to bring medical and dental students and residents to Darke County. This third and final article highlights their work with local pharmacy programs.

Under the direction of Janell Claudy, RPH, Family Health Pharmacy hosts students from the colleges of pharmacy at Ohio Northern, University of Toledo, Cedarville University and Findlay University. First year students, typically from Cedarville, put in around five hours per week in the pharmacy to get general experience. Each student is mentored by one of the pharmacists on staff. “Pharm D” students working to complete their doctorate in pharmacy spend 4-6 weeks at Family Health as part of their hands-on immersion experience.

They not only receive training specific to rural healthcare, but give presentations to the clinical staff on the latest resources and drugs on the market. It is a unique way our staff is able to stay current on cutting edge resources and new ideas about comprehensive patient care. One student has requested to come back and complete her residency in Darke County. Other students have gone on to seek work in rural or community healthcare settings.

Family Health continues to cultivate relationships with regional, state-wide, and national organizations to give students an opportunity to work and live in our community. Their hope in the near future is to partner with an optometry school looking to place their residents and students in a rural healthcare experience.

In the last year, Family Health has hosted 21 dental students, 2 dental residents, 7 medical students, 9 nurse practitioners, 4 physician assistants, 6 Pharm D students, 3 pharmacy interns, 3 first year pharmacy students, and 3 high school students.

This would not have been possible without the willingness of our many providers to give of their time, the openness of our patients allow these men and women to learn, and the support of our local community to make them feel at home. Family Health would like to thank Wayne Healthcare for assisting with housing and supplemental rural hospital experiences for the students.

Training the next generation of providers is just one way Family Health is laying a foundation for a long term future of “…building healthy lives together.”

About Family Health
Family Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Health Center Program grantee under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We are a member of the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH).

Our Mission is “…building healthy lives together.”

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