Destination Sonoma
Addressing Physician Shortages in Sonoma County and the North Bay
There is a significant and worsening physician shortage across the United States, particularly in rural areas. Sonoma County alone has a shortage of 50+ physicians, with the highest need for primary care providers, cardiologists, gynecologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists and surgeons.
The two largest barriers to recruiting – the high cost of living in Sonoma County and the $200,000 to $400,000 of student debt new physicians bring with them – leave Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital at a significant disadvantage when recruiting new caregivers to our team. New recruits often decide where to work based on this financial reality.
Your Impact
Loan Repayment Assistance
The focus of the program is on attracting and retaining new physicians through multi-year loan repayment agreements. Applying funds over a multi-year period encourages providers to grow roots in the community. Plus, by making loan payments directly to the lender, it helps providers minimize their tax burden.
Physician and Family Engagement
We work to integrate providers into the community through a robust new physician engagement program. In addition to Providence-sponsored activities like quarterly provider happy hours and leadership committees, “Welcoming Committees” in each region of Sonoma County will support new recruits and their families by helping them make the social and business connections that are needed to make a successful transition to a new community.
Leadership Development
Your investment in physician leadership development creates lasting impact throughout our health care system. When we equip our talented doctors with advanced leadership skills, they transform from excellent clinicians into health care pioneers who drive innovation and quality care. Research shows that physicians who feel invested in as leaders are more likely to stay long-term, creating stability in patient care. Your support helps cultivate and retain the next generation of medical leaders in our community.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Now, more than ever, our community needs Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and compassionate neighbors like you.
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