Capacity for Development of Primary Care Residency Programs in Non-Teaching Hospitals in New York State (NYS)

Abstract

Purpose: The demand for physicians in the U.S., especially those practicing adult primary care, is accelerating and will inevitably require the expansion of residencies, despite current constraints on funding for graduate medical education (GME). A previous study showed little interest in or capacity for expansion of primary care residencies in current teaching hospitals in NYS. This study examines the interest in and capacity for establishing new programs among current non-teaching hospitals in that state. Design and Methods: Chief Executive Officers of eligible non-teaching hospitals in NYS were surveyed and asked if they had interest in establishing a residency program, what medical specialties they would choose assuming availability of additional funds, and what barriers there were to residency development. Results: Fourteen of 46 (30%) NYS sites completed the survey. All but one was interested in establishing residencies; 85 percent would establish new programs in Emergency Medicine; 76 percent in Family Medicine; and 54 percent in Internal Medicine and/or Primary Care Internal Medicine. Virtually all cited significant concerns related to funding, faculty supply, and need for medical school affiliations. Conclusions: A minimum of 28 percent of non-teaching hospitals in NYS have a significant interest in establishing a GME program. If implemented this could increase training in Family Medicine by 40 percent and Internal Medicine by 11 percent. However, there are formidable financial and structural barriers to doing so. Enhanced support programs that go beyond lifting of the current GME cap will be necessary to increase the training of primary care physicians.