Family Medicine Residency Program OK’d

PALM SPRINGS — On July 1,  a new Family Medicine Residency Program will begin at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care

The much-needed program has earned the approval of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) of their .

“We’re so pleased the ACGME has granted us the ability to begin our new Family Residency Program,” Desert Regional Medical Center CEO Michele Finney said in a prepared statement. ”Our community needs more family medicine and primary care physicians, and we are optimistic that many of our residents will stay in our region after graduation and continue to provide excellent care to our community.”

The new Family Medicine Residency Program comes at a time when the Association of American Medical Colleges, or AAMC, predicts a total shortage of 46,900 to 121,900 physicians by 2032. That includes a projected shortfall of 21,100 to 55,200 primary care physicians. Updated projections are due out this spring.

Demographics remain the main driver of rising demand. Along with overall growth of the U.S. population, the 65-and-older segment will expand by nearly half, up 48 percent, versus just 3.5 percent growth in the pediatric population.

“We are committed to providing our residents with the best teaching and clinical experience possible,” said Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, Dr. Tae Kim. “Our program fully prepares residents for the independent practice of medicine and inspires lifelong learning critical for achieving professional growth.”

The Family Medicine residency program is a three-year program, accommodating a total of 30 residents. In addition to the Family Medicine residency program, the Department of Graduate Medical Education at Desert Regional Medical Center offers four accredited residency programs in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology and Neurological Surgery.

For more information on the Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care clinics, or to make an appointment, please visit DesertCareDocs.com or call 760-561-7373.

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About Desert Care Network
Desert Regional Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital, and Hi-Desert Medical Center have joined together to provide a new community of care: Desert Care Network. With three hospitals, specialty centers and one of the largest physician networks in the Coachella Valley, Desert Care Network sets a new standard of service and dedication to the health and well-being of the people of the desert region.