A 2015 community needs assessment performed by CHI-Franciscan revealed a looming gap in the number of primary care physicians in our region. Over the next 20 years it’s anticipated there will be a shortage of approximately 40+ primary care physicians as population expands and primary care physicians leave the workforce. In anticipation of this shortage, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health; St. Michae
l Medical Center has committed to sponsor our Family Medicine Residency. In addition to support from our Sponsoring Institution, community support from private physicians and major physician practice groups provides the necessary professional expertise to train Family Medicine Physicians for practice in the Pacific Northwest. Our Vision: "To be recognized nationally as a program with commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based, service-oriented family medicine care with innovative training methods for graduate medical education, patient care, and physician leadership training." Overall Educational Goals Of NWFMR:
I. To train Family Physicians to provide comprehensive care for patients with a broad range of medical conditions across the spectrum of acute illness, chronic illness, and preventive health strategies. To train Family Physicians in appropriate usage of evidence-based, cost-conscious strategies for diagnosis and management of patients. To train Family Physicians to lead multidisciplinary teams within the Patient Centered Medical Home in rural and underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest. To train Family Physicians to communicate efficiently and compassionately during patient, family, and community encounters. To train Family Physicians in the use of leading-edge technology for the benefit of their patients and their communities. To train Family Physicians to be effective and efficient lifelong learners. VII. To train Family Physicians to assume medical leadership and community services roles in local communities, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the nation.
