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CentraCare and University of Minnesota Partner to Grow Rural Physician Workforce Through Expanded Residency Programs

3 minutes

CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School are continuing their partnership to strengthen the rural health care workforce through the expansion of graduate medical education programs designed to train and retain physicians in Greater Minnesota.

Becoming a physician requires several years of education and training, including an undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and graduate medical education through residency training. During residency, physicians work under supervision to gain the clinical experience and expertise needed for independent practice. Some physicians also pursue fellowship training to develop specialized skills. Together, residency and fellowship programs are referred to as graduate medical education (GME).

CentraCare's investment in physician training continues to deliver results with Family Medicine Residency programs in both St. Cloud and Willmar filling all available residency positions this year.

Building on that momentum, CentraCare and the University of Minnesota are expanding training opportunities in several specialties that are critical to the health and well-being of rural populations. These programs will help develop the next generation of physicians while addressing workforce needs across Greater Minnesota:

  • Rural Pediatrics Residency Primary Care Track: Actively recruiting two residents for a July 2027 start.
  • Rural Psychiatry Residency Track: Actively recruiting two residents for a July 2027 start.
  • Rural General Surgery Residency Track: Actively recruiting a resident for a July 2027 start.

"Graduate medical education is one of the most effective strategies for addressing long-term physician workforce shortages in rural communities," said Jessie Roske, MD, SFHM, Medical Director of Graduate Medical Education for CentraCare. "By training physicians where they're needed most, we're creating opportunities for them to build careers, relationships and lasting connections in Greater Minnesota."

Residency and fellowship programs do more than train physicians. They improve access to care, help attract and retain providers in rural communities, and increase the likelihood that physicians will practice in Greater Minnesota long term. These programs also strengthen local health systems through enhanced quality, education, community outreach, and public health initiatives.

The expansion of these programs also helps address workforce shortages and expands patient access to primary and specialty care closer to home.

"Training physicians in rural communities is a proven investment in the future of healthcare," said Susan Culican, MD, PhD, Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education at the University of Minnesota. "These programs help ensure patients across Greater Minnesota have access to high-quality care while building a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving rural populations."

As CentraCare continues to grow its Graduate Medical Education program, the organization is committed to creating new learning experiences and clinical training opportunities that support the next generation of rural healthcare providers.

By expanding residency and fellowship programs in partnership with the University of Minnesota, CentraCare is investing in a long-term solution to rural healthcare workforce needs and helping ensure patients throughout the region have access to high-quality care for years to come.