The Article in Brief

Training Residents in Community Health Centers: Facilitators and Barriers

Carl G. Morris , and colleagues

Background The ability of community health centers (CHCs) to care for of the underserved is limited by a shortage of family physicians. Training family medicine residents in community health centers may provide one solution to this shortage. This study set out to identify benefits and facilitators that contribute to affiliations between CHCs and family medicine residency programs, as well as solutions that would facilitate improvement in future partnerships.

What This Study Found The affiliation between CHCs and family medicine residencies is a complex relationship that includes a shared mission of service to the underserved, a need to improve financial stability, and improved educational and clinical quality; it is hindered by governing institutional regulations and administrative challenges. A successful partnership relies on the development of a shared mission of education and service, as well as innovation and flexibility by the organizations that govern them.

Implications

• The affiliation between CHCs and family medicine residencies may continue to provide excellent training for physicians interested in caring for the underserved. Without changes in governance and financing, however, the workforce needs of safety net settings are unlikely to be met.