2.2. Physician Graduate Medical Education

Purpose

This initiative aims to establish new graduate medical education opportunities needed to increase the number of physicians trained and retained within Wyoming. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are those organizations, individuals, and entities capable of operating a graduate medical education program within Wyoming.

Scope

• Initially, a feasibility study will be needed to determine leadership, location, and the number of GME positions that can be added within Wyoming during the five-year period. This assessment must include a long-term sustainability plan, including the establishment of a Wyoming GME Council to coordinate GME activities and support physician retention efforts
• The primary goal for this funding is to create additional residency positions that increase opportunities for physicians to complete substantial portions of their training in rural and underserved settings, then establish a practice in one of these settings, with a retention plan of at least 5 years within that community. 
• The program would prioritize family medicine and behavioral health training, while also supporting enhanced clinical exposure and training experiences in obstetrics and other specialties experiencing workforce shortages.
• Training experiences would occur within established healthcare systems and community partnerships capable of delivering high-quality education while exposing residents to the unique challenges and opportunities associated with rural practice environments. The establishment of new clinical training sites that offer the above will also be considered.