Dignity Health Dominican Hospital and Morehouse School of Medicine Announces Inaugural Class of Family Medicine Residents

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (April 12, 2024) - Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, in collaboration with Morehouse School of Medicine, is proud to announce the selection of its first cohort of residents, marking a significant milestone in addressing healthcare disparities in Santa Cruz. The cohort of eight residents will embark on a rigorous 3-year program dedicated to nurturing culturally sensitive family physicians, commencing in July 2024.

"This is a pivotal milestone in our journey towards equitable healthcare provision in Santa Cruz. As we welcome our inaugural class of residents we stand committed to addressing health disparities and serving our diverse community. This momentous occasion not only celebrates the achievements of our residents but also reaffirms our dedication to a more inclusive healthcare landscape," said Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, President & CEO, Dominican Hospital.

The More in Common Alliance (MiCA) Family Medicine Residency Program at Dominican Hospital reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented medical students. Sponsored by Morehouse School of Medicine, a historically Black medical school and one of America’s leading educators of primary care physicians, post-graduate residents will benefit from clinical training focused on addressing health inequities and working with underserved patients. Dominican Hospital was chosen as one of seven sites nationally that will address two of the most pressing challenges in healthcare – a shortage of diverse clinicians and the need for more equitable health care.

In partnering with Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) as our academic sponsor, we recognize the profound significance of our collaboration with local organizations. Santa Cruz Community Health Center plays a pivotal role in sponsoring the resident physicians' outpatient continuity clinic training, prioritizing the underserved population. Similarly, Salud Para La Gente and Watsonville Community Hospital in south Santa Cruz county provide vital support for many of the resident core rotations.

“It is through the dedication of these community partners that our residency program will truly excel. Together, as a community, we are dedicated to our shared mission of eliminating healthcare disparities in Santa Cruz County," said Dr. Walt Mills, Morehouse School of Medicine Program Director.

The announcement of the eight residents was made on Match Day on March 15th, an annual occasion celebrated nationwide within medical circles. This event, orchestrated by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), heralds the culmination of medical students' journey as they learn where they will pursue their residency and fellowship training, setting the stage for their future medical careers.

The More in Common Alliance is a partnership between CommonSpirit Health and the Morehouse School of Medicine and is a 10-year, $100 million initiative that will increase medical education opportunities for more Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

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About Dignity Health
Dignity Health is a multi-state nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and 400-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. For more information, please visit our website at www.DignityHealth.org.

About Morehouse School of Medicine
Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission—the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit www.msm.edu or call 404-752-1500.

About More in Common Alliance
The More in Common Alliance is a partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health. Morehouse School of Medicine is a historically Black medical school and one of America’s leading educators of primary care physicians, and CommonSpirit Health is one of America’s largest health systems with locations in 21 states from coast to coast. Knowing patients consistently fare better when treated by clinicians of similar backgrounds who share lived experiences, the More in Common Alliance seeks to address critical gaps in care by increasing cultural competency and expanding representation. Together, we are leading a 10-year, $100-million initiative to expand undergraduate and graduate medical education to build a more diverse and dynamic workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Learn more about More in Common Alliance: www.moreincommonalliance.org