Virginia has some of the best medical schools in the country, but state leaders are realizing that many medical students will live and get their education here--and, upon graduation, will look for better opportunities elsewhere. A state panel has been tasked with not only helping to produce more medical school graduates, but also keeping them in the Commonwealth.
Growing demands on the healthcare system and an aging population have created a need for more doctors. During a meeting of the Virginia Health Workforce Authority, Governor McAuliffe made it clear what he wants from the Graduate Medical Advisory Group.
"Making us healthy and making sure we got these residency slots---we get as many, and I want more than any other state, I don't really care how many people live in other states. It's all about Virginia."
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association’s Chris Bailey says the problem is NOT graduating students. It's projected that by 2018 the number of graduates will have nearly doubled from the 500 or so who did in 2001.
"Which is very, very, good work and something we absolutely need to continue and sustain. What we have not done is do anything nearly the same on the post graduate training opportunities."
Discussion moderator Senator George Barker says if Virginia can get students to complete their residency here, they may stay here—but they have to know there are job opportunities. Some initiatives include workforce development grants and increasing residency programs to produce a larger number of family physicians.
