HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is helping grow the region’s healthcare workforce as 25 new resident physicians begin the next phase of their medical training in Fort Walton Beach.
“I’m so excited to be doing my residency in Internal medicine at HCA Florida Fort Walton Destin Hospital”, said Samantha Jacobsmeyer, MD, who is moving to the area from St. Louis, to begin her residency training. “I have chosen to specialize in internal medicine because I really enjoy how all of the organ systems intersect, coming together like a unique puzzle for each individual, and I’m looking forward to helping my patients here in Northwest Florida live healthier lives.”
Many of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s incoming physicians are relocating to the area, where they will live, work and become part of the community they serve. Graduate medical education programs play an important role in addressing Florida's growing physician shortage, as more than 50% of residents and fellows, on average, choose to establish their practices in the communities where they complete their training.
"Welcoming new resident physicians and fellows is one of the most exciting times of the year because they represent all the possibilities of the future of healthcare," said Graduate Medical Education Program Director Dr. Amanda Finley, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. "These doctors bring exceptional talent, curiosity and a commitment to improving lives. We are honored to help shape the next generation of physicians while providing expert care for our community."
With the new doctors joining the program this month, there are now 49 resident physicians training at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Of the residents, 24 are specializing in the high-demand field of internal medicine and 13 are beginning a new transitional year program, which provides recent medical school graduates with a year of comprehensive clinical skills training before they go on to more specialized training.
Throughout their training, residents and fellows will care for patients under the guidance of experienced physician faculty while gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies, evidence-based medicine and multidisciplinary care teams. Their training helps ensure patients receive high-quality, compassionate care while preparing physicians to practice in their chosen specialties.
Last month, we were excited to announce a new collaborative clinic space in partnership with White-Wilson Medical Center. This new clinic, along with GME residents and experienced physician leaders, will play a vital role in supporting patients transitioning from hospital to home by offering dedicated follow-up appointments after discharge.
"HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to developing tomorrow's physician leaders," said HCA Healthcare North Florida Division Vice President of Graduate Medical Education Cheryll Albold, Ph.D. "By investing in graduate medical education, we're not only training exceptional physicians, we are also strengthening the future of healthcare across North Florida."
HCA Florida Healthcare’s graduate medical education programs train more new doctors than any other program in the state. With 153 GME programs across 29 teaching hospitals, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 2,580 residents and fellows are the next generation of doctors local communities will depend on for care. For more information about healthcare services near you, visit hcafloridahealthcare.com.
