Northwest Health - Porter welcomed a new class of residents to the medical profession during its white coat ceremony on June 25. The 18 physician residents received their first white coat to mark their first step into the clinical world.
“This is a really meaningful exercise in regards to our mission, the ethics of being a doctor, and serving our community and our patients. Presenting the white coat is an important symbol as we welcome these young doctors into their first role as a physician” Chief Medical Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Thomas Rohs, said.
Residency programs, like those offered by Northwest Health, give aspiring medical school graduates the training they need to succeed in their chosen field of medicine. Northwest Health continues to offer the only family medicine residency program and one of only two internal medicine programs in Northwest Indiana.
This year’s class of residents consisted of 12 internal medicine residents and six family medicine residents. These 18 residents will study under the guidance of Northwest Health’s faculty for the next three years, ensuring an education focused on clinical excellence and the patient experience.
“Our faculty and our attending physicians who teach have worked tirelessly on our behalf. They have made a meaningful three years and are committed to our education. I don't think I could ever repay them,” said Dr. Andrea Origenes, third year physician resident at Northwest Health.
The residency programs at Northwest Health deliver a comprehensive education while allowing residents a say in their education through elective programs. The program’s location in Valparaiso means residents can get a feel for working in urban, suburban, and rural communities with just a short commute.
“I strongly advocate for our help points and community clinics because we do comprehensive care. We learn about all different specialties with different types of support structures,” Healthlinc CEO Melissa Mitchell said. Family residents gain their hands-on clinic experience caring for patients at a Healthlinc clinic.
Northwest Health’s residency programs have received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), an independent nonprofit that recognizes programs delivering high-quality graduate medical education.
In addition to the new residents receiving their white coats, the ceremony also celebrated second and third year residents with awards recognizing their continued efforts to provide exceptional care to patients.
“I found the Northwest Health program when it was just starting, when there was no program ever, and I came here because I love the faculty. As a third year resident, you get more opportunities to teach. Teaching and medical education are definitely some of my passions, so I’m very excited to work with the new residents,” Origenes said.
To learn more about Northwest Health - Porter’s graduate medical education opportunities, visit nwportergme.com.
