Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program
Dignity Health is excited to announce the formation and launch of a Graduate Medical Education enterprise in the East Valley! As families, professionals and older adults are drawn to the East Valley, our community continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. However, the Dignity Health East Valley service area is experiencing a shortage of nearly 250 primary care providers. Statewide, more than 3 out of 5 Arizonans live in a health professional shortage area, which underscores the need to increase the availability of personalized and specialized health care (AAFP). If you want to learn more, please see our Emergency Medicine Residency page.
Dignity Health is uniquely positioned to address growing healthcare needs because of the industry-leading, award-winning care delivered to the East Valley at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. Our Medical Centers are supported by some of the most respected and skilled clinical care providers. Patients have numerous access points to their care, including Dignity Health Urgent Care facilities and free-standing Emergency Departments.
Offering residency programs in key clinical areas will amplify the impact our ministry is able to make on our community’s health, while also offering a place for community health providers to turn to recruit the next generation of respected, compassionate providers. We aim to champion diversity and inclusion by training the next generation of health care providers that best represent our community, including our rural and Native American Community neighbors. From 2023-2028, Dignity Health East Valley’s Residency Programs will be built to reach full capacity of 124 active residents.
The East Valley community will benefit from the residency program in a number of meaningful and impactful ways, including:
- A robust, expertly-trained workforce of physicians familiar with Dignity Health values and the community they will serve
- Greater clinical service coverage in a number of specialties
- Improved quality of care metrics
- Enhanced patient access to clinical care and community health programs
- Access to learning events that offer Continuous Medical Education to providers
Program Funding Sources
After the Dignity Health East Valley GME enterprise launches at full capacity, sustainability will be attained through normal hospital budgeting and operations, along with continued support through philanthropy. As we embark on this initiative, we invite our colleagues, partners, supporters and the community to join the effort through philanthropic giving.
Opportunities for Recognition of Support
Financial support for the Dignity Health Graduate Medical Education enterprise can be designated to a number of identified needs, based on the wishes of the donor. Below are a few specific opportunities for consideration:
Chandler Regional Medical Center:
- GME Auditorium buildout
- General Surgery Sim Lab and Teaching Area
- Robotic, Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Trainers
- Resident Lounge buildout
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center:
- Family Medicine Clinic buildout
- FM/IM Sim Lab
- Resident Lounge buildout
Donors who make monetary commitments in excess of $10,000 will be recognized in a special display at both Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. Permanent naming opportunities for prominent areas and equipment needs within the program are also available.
Program Timeline and Structure
Program Leadership
Dr. Roger Bies
Chief Medical Officer – Dignity Health East Valley
Dr. Richard Kratche
Program Director – Family Medicine
Dr. Allan Markus
Program Director – Internal Medicine
Dr. Clarence Clark
Program Director – General Surgery
Dr. Sara Dimeo
Program Director – Emergency Medicine