A new Spokesman-Review article examines the current nationwide shortages in pediatrics and the ways the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is working to fill the gaps in Washington state.
The article highlights the new Pediatric Residency Program in Spokane, a partnership between Providence Health and the College of Medicine. The first cohort of six pediatricians in training started on July 1. Once the three-year program is filled, 18 resident physicians will serve the area.
The residents will see patients from birth to early adulthood in hospitals and clinics across Spokane. They’ll continue their specialized training and learning, working closely with board-certified pediatricians. When the first cohort graduates in June 2027, the hope is that they will stay in the region to practice.
“Data shows physicians tend to practice where they do residencies,” explained Christian Rocholl, MD, program director for the WSU Pediatric Residency Program.
For this reason, all WSU residency programs seek candidates who have state ties or regional interest. The same goes for admissions into the College of Medicine’s MD Program, where future health care leaders earn their medical degree before heading into residency.
The Spokesman-Review article also highlighted a steady number of WSU medical students who are choosing specialties in pediatrics. Among the Class of 2024, six graduates matched into pediatrics residencies and one into an internal medicine/pediatrics residency.