A multistate program to educate physicians: successful, economical, but endangered

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Osteopathic Medicine

Background:

• The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) facilitates multistate educational contracts.
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is a key SREB participant for osteopathic medicine training.
• WVSOM's mission addresses primary care physician shortages in Appalachia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the WVSOM-SREB partnership's success in training primary care physicians.
• To assess the program's cost-effectiveness and graduate outcomes.
• To propose future multistate medical education initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of WVSOM-SREB program data from 1978-1994.
• Tracking of graduate practice locations and specialties.
• Comparison of program costs and outcomes.

Main Results:

• WVSOM graduated 148 SREB physicians between 1978 and 1994.
• Of 122 practicing graduates, 53% returned to their home states.
• 85% of home-state returnees and 84% of all returnees practice primary care.

Conclusions:

• The WVSOM-SREB partnership effectively trains primary care physicians for participating states.
• The program offers a cost-effective model for multistate medical education.
• Expansion of similar programs is recommended to address national physician needs.