Bayhealth Receives ARPA Grant to Address Physician Shortage

Launched in 2019, Bayhealth’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs continue to thrive and are benefiting the health system and community. On June 27, Kent County Levy Court presented a ceremonial check for $500,000 representing half of the $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Bayhealth’s GME program to allow Bayhealth to further address the shortage of physicians in Kent County, Delaware.

Made up of internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine residency programs, GME at Bayhealth is home to more than 70 physician residents working in community-based physician practices and in the hospital setting. This equates to more than 15,000 patients annually receiving the care they need when they need it.

GME programs are known for improving the health of communities and the same is true of Bayhealth’s program. Bayhealth GME Chair and Colorectal and General Surgeon Assar Rather, MD, sees multiple benefits.

“Our physician residents are improving quality of care for our patients,” said Dr. Rather. “Thanks to their innovative and thoughtful approach to patient care, bringing research projects to life to address specific health needs of our community, and creating meaningful relationships with their patients, the residents truly feel a connection to central and southern Delaware.”

“One of the primary goals of our GME programs is to create a pipeline to address physician shortages in our area,” he said. “With our communities continuing to grow and age, we’re zealous in our approach to attracting and retaining physicians. We’re appreciative of the Kent County Levy Court’s generous grant in support of our efforts.”

The grant is for programmatic support of Bayhealth’s GME program.

Bayhealth Foundation President Lindsay Rhodenbaugh, DMin, along with Bayhealth GME leadership and the chair of the Bayhealth, Inc. Board of Directors were on hand to accept the ceremonial check.

“Since we first announced the launch of our GME programs in 2019, we have been fortunate to have the support of generous donors and grant funding,” said Rhodenbaugh who sees this support as a sign that the community and others recognize the significance of such a program within their community health system. “We extend many thanks to Kent County Levy Court and everyone who continues to support GME at Bayhealth.”

Kent County Levy Court President Terry Pepper commented, "Bayhealth Hospital is an integral part of our community that provides medical services to residents of Kent County. This contribution from Kent County Levy Court and American Rescue Plan Act funds will hopefully open doors for many more patients to have access to medical services in Kent County."

There are several ways to support graduate medical education at Bayhealth. Visit Bayhealth.org/Foundation, email Foundation@Bayhealth.org or call 302-744-7015 to learn where your donation can help the most.