ATSU-KCOM’s Still OPTI awarded grant to establish Missouri GME Technical Assistance Center

ATSU-KCOM's Still OPTI awarded grant to establish Missouri GME Technical Assistance Center

With a goal of increasing the number of physicians serving Missouri's rural and underserved communities, A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine's (ATSU-KCOM) Still Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI) has been awarded a $1.8 million grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) to establish the Missouri Graduate Medical Education Technical Assistance Center (GME TAC).

The three-year grant (contract number MS250206001) will provide funding for Still OPTI to work with hospitals, healthcare providers, medical schools, and other public and private entities across Missouri in addressing healthcare workforce challenges. According to the MDHSS, 56% of students from Missouri who attend medical school and do their residency in Missouri ultimately stay in the state to practice. Missouri loses at least one-third of its medical school graduates to other states due to a lack of residency opportunities.

"ATSU-KCOM is historically known for producing rural physicians, and we're excited to work with all of Missouri's medical schools to ensure strong GME opportunities that keep physician talent in-state and serving Missouri's residents," ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, '82, said.

GME is mandatory, multi-year residency required for full physician licensure after medical school graduation. The GME TAC will provide assistance to Missouri's existing residency programs, help expand current offerings and opportunities, and support those seeking to establish new residency programs.

Richard LaBaere II, DO, ATSU-KCOM associate dean of Still OPTI and GME TAC director, and Dana Nelson, MA, Still OPTI director and GME TAC coordinator, will lead the project.

"This grant will provide the needed support to develop new residency positions as well as anchor a network of Missouri GME providers, sponsoring institutions, and public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical practices hosting medical residencies throughout the state," Dr. LaBaere said. "ATSU-KCOM Still OPTI is proud to play a vital role in graduate medical education and help increase access to physician care across Missouri. We look forward to cultivating collaborations and partnerships, which help educate and keep new physicians in Missouri." In 2023, the Missouri Legislature established the Missouri Graduate Medical Education Grant program to support expanding residency positions for primary care practice areas. The GME TAC is part of the commitment to address longstanding health inequities and grow the pipeline of providers for Missouri's rural and underserved communities.