FoundationAnnualReport2022

Firelands trainees have returned to the region to practice after their specialty training. “Many areas of the country are experiencing a shortage of doctors,” says Eric Mast, DO, Medical Education and Family Medicine Residency Program Director. “Because of Firelands Health’s sound investment in education, we don’t have that problem. So many of our students and residency graduates stay or return after finishing residencies in other specialties. The training programs at Firelands have greatly impacted the quality of the healthcare in the community.” Members of the Firelands medical staff participate in the medical education program, sharing their invaluable skills and expertise with students and residents. Newly recruited physicians often cite the opportunity to work with residents and students as one of the reasons they choose to work at Firelands. “The amount of time and talent so many Firelands physicians give to the students and residents is a huge part of why the medical education program at Firelands is such a success. There are about 120 area physicians who are involved in teaching students,” says Dr. Mast. “It’s also one of the reasons the Firelands Medical Education Department boasts such a strong state and national reputation, with applications for programs arriving from all over the country. The impact of our medical education programs on local healthcare has been enormously beneficial for our patients and the community.” 11