University Hospitals’ Closure of Family Medicine Residency Program Sparks Concerns Over Access to Care for Urban Poor and Medical School Recruitment
University Hospitals’ decision to close its family medicine residency program has raised concerns regarding access to healthcare for the urban poor and the recruitment of primary care students at medical schools. Local health experts argue that this move could result in a shortage of family medicine and primary care physicians, contributing to prolonged wait times for doctor appointments.
Dr. Lisa Navracruz, assistant professor of family medicine in the Center for Medical Education at Case Western Reserve University, expressed her disappointment with the closure, stating that UH is neglecting its responsibility to Northeast Ohio by choosing to abandon the residency rather than investing in its success. Dr. Navracruz, who is an alumnus of the program, further emphasized the program’s role in producing leaders in Cleveland public health.
In response, UH stated that the closure would enable them to adapt to the evolving healthcare and education landscapes. The health system referred to the fact that family medicine has become more community-based and focused on outpatient care in recent years as a reason for the change. However, critics argue that this decision could impact the availability of care for the urban poor who heavily rely on UH for medical services.
The closure of the family medicine residency program may also hinder the medical school’s ability to recruit primary care students. This shortage of primary care physicians has been projected to worsen in the future, with estimates suggesting a national shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care doctors by 2034. Ohio alone will require an additional 681 primary care physicians by 2030 to keep up with demand.
UH highlighted that it will continue to train residents already enrolled in its residency programs, but it will not recruit new family medicine residents for the upcoming match. However, they will continue admitting residents for their family medicine osteopathic physician training programs at other campus locations.
Family medicine residents at UH play a vital role in caring for complex patients in the local community, including infants, children, pregnant women, and adults. This closure could potentially disrupt the continuity of care for vulnerable populations and limit the pipeline of physicians who are dedicated to serving these communities.
It is important to address the increasing shortage of primary care physicians to ensure timely access to healthcare for all individuals. The closure of UH’s family medicine residency program raises concerns about the future of primary care in the region and the ability to meet the healthcare needs of the urban poor.
