The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine has welcomed a new cohort of 131 physician residents and fellows into its Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. This initiative aims to address the growing physician shortage in Florida, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The program operates in collaboration with nine health care partners across the state, now offering a total of 26 residency and fellowship opportunities.
Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, “We continue to expand our GME programs to directly address Florida’s growing physician shortage and to improve access to outstanding health care.” The latest class joins over 264 physicians already enrolled in various specialties.
Expanding Medical Training in Florida
The FSU GME program has experienced significant growth in recent months. Since July 2023, the program has taken on sponsorship of two fellowships through the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, which supports the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze. Additionally, it has incorporated four physician residency programs at Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals in Northwest Florida, along with a family medicine residency and OB/GYN fellowship at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Bill Boyer, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education, highlighted the broader mission of the program, stating, “Our GME program not only addresses workforce development, but we also focus on recruiting high-quality academic physicians into the community.” He noted that many patients prefer treatment at academic medical centers, a trend that underscores the need for such initiatives.
The increasing population of Florida, coupled with the physician shortage, has garnered attention from state lawmakers. In March 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law several bills known as Live Healthy, which include provisions for expanding medical residency slots. This legislative action reflects the urgency of ensuring adequate medical personnel to serve the state’s residents.
High Retention and Demand for Residency Programs
Statistics indicate a retention rate of 75% for physicians who complete their medical education and residency in Florida. A recent study by the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida revealed that FSU-sponsored residency programs are among the most sought after in the state. The study tracked the match rates for residency slots filled by medical school graduates across 75 Florida hospitals from 2020 to 2024. Remarkably, FSU-sponsored programs achieved a 100% match rate during this period, a feat matched by only nine other programs.
Boyer expressed pride in the program’s success, noting, “Our program, along with our health care partners, fills all available slots each year.” As FSU Health continues to grow, additional GME expansions are anticipated. FSU Health is a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance health care in North Florida by utilizing the university’s research capabilities and educational programs to forge new partnerships with clinical care providers.
Each year, the College of Medicine graduates approximately 120 new physicians, most of whom enter residency programs within Florida. With the addition of this latest class, the college now boasts over 2,000 physician alumni, with more than 600 currently practicing or completing residencies in the state.
All physicians in the United States are required to complete a residency program after graduating from medical school. This training, which lasts between three to seven years depending on the specialty, is essential for new physicians as they gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced practitioners. Fellowships provide further specialized training for those wishing to advance their expertise.
FSU College of Medicine’s commitment to expanding medical education not only addresses the immediate needs of Florida’s health care system but also enhances the overall quality of care available to residents across the state.
