Kansas Health Science University Receives $750K Grant to Enhance Medical Residencies

Kansas Health Science University Receives $750K Grant

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has bestowed upon Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) a generous grant amounting to $750,000. This funding is awarded through the competitive Rural Residency Planning and Development Program, intended to bolster healthcare access in underserved areas within Kansas.

Purpose of the Grant

The primary focus of this grant is to assist KHSU, alongside its Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), in establishing a new residency program specifically tailored for training family medicine physicians. This initiative aims to address the significant shortfall of primary care physicians prevalent in Kansas, particularly in its rural regions. As Kimberly Long, Ph.D., the acting president of KHSU, articulates, this program is not merely about training new practitioners; it symbolizes the creation of a long-term pipeline of dedicated primary care providers—an effort that could profoundly impact healthcare access dynamics in those areas most in need.

The Current Medical Landscape in Kansas

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state currently ranks 40th nationwide in terms of active physicians per capita. Alarmingly, 69 out of 105 counties are identified as health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) in primary care. Furthermore, national projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges suggest a deficit of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians across the U.S. in the next 12 years. Rural communities are particularly affected, with nearly 70% of the country’s primary care HPSAs located in these areas.

Expanding Rural Medical Training

Rural medicine demands a broader scope of practice, often encompassing varied responsibilities such as minor procedures, emergency care, outpatient surgeries, and obstetrics. Lori McMann, the director of graduate medical education and continuing medical education at KHSU, emphasizes that the exposure to rural settings provides a unique and dynamic training experience. It enables residents to acclimate to the lifestyle, culture, and clinical environment characteristic of rural medicine, fostering confidence and competency in non-urban practices.

The funding from HRSA not only fosters the development of this residency program but also aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for securing Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approval. This new program will facilitate the rotation of residents through regional partners that have not previously hosted resident training. To lay the groundwork for these collaborations, grant funds will support the development of essential facilities, such as conference rooms and offices, and cover costs related to faculty training and procurement of educational resources, including laptops and Point of Care Ultrasound equipment.

The Future of Medical Residents in Rural Practice

Upon approval of the program, KansasCOM intends to enroll four residents annually, with a strong focus on attracting individuals genuinely committed to a career in rural primary care. The curriculum’s design will integrate didactic learning with clinical practice, encouraging faculty and residents to partner with local organizations to tackle social determinants of health. This holistic approach aims not just to enhance individual care but to improve community health by addressing underlying factors such as transportation, nutrition, and mental health.

As McMann notes, approximately 50-57% of physicians who train in rural environments tend to continue practicing in similar settings. This new residency program represents a significant step forward in closing the healthcare gap in underserved areas, heralding a promising initiative for rural America.

About Kansas Health Science University

Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) is at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities in innovative and emergent areas of health care. In 2022, the university welcomed its inaugural class to the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), marking a pivotal moment as the first osteopathic college established in the state. The college marries the foundational principles of osteopathic medicine with contemporary technologies and a commitment to community-based care, embodying KHSU’s mission to enhance student success and societal impact through education.