This July, Lee Health proudly welcomes its largest class of resident physicians, who will begin training through Florida State University College of Medicine programs in Internal Medicine (established in 2022), Family Medicine (established in 2012), and newly launched programs in Transitional Year and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN).
After graduating from medical school—either allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.)—physicians must complete residency training in their chosen specialty before practicing independently. These programs provide hands-on clinical experience and are essential in preparing physicians to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Welcoming new residents is always an exciting and important milestone for Lee Health. Our teams take great pride in supporting physicians as they grow into skilled clinicians, and many go on to remain within our health system or continue practicing elsewhere in Florida after completing training. These residency programs play a key role in addressing physician shortages across our region, and we anticipate this positive impact will continue.
“We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional and diverse group of resident physicians to Lee Health,” said Alfred Gitu, M.D., Chief Academic Officer for Lee Health. “Training the next generation of outstanding clinicians is at the heart of our mission, and we are grateful to our community for embracing these learners as they begin their journey. Their dedication and talent will not only enrich our health system but also strengthen the care we provide across Southwest Florida for years to come.”
In addition to physician training, Lee Health continues to invest in the next generation of pharmacists through its Pharmacy Residency Program, established 17 years ago. This program plays a vital role in patient safety, medication management, and interdisciplinary care across the health system.
“Our pharmacy residents are essential members of the care team and make a meaningful impact on patient care every day,” said John Armistead, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Lee Health. “They work alongside physicians, nurses, and care teams to support better patient outcomes throughout Southwest Florida. By training pharmacists here at Lee Health, we are strengthening our workforce and ensuring our community has access to knowledgeable, compassionate medication experts who understand the unique needs of the patients we serve.”
Through investment in comprehensive residency training across disciplines, Lee Health is helping ensure patients across the region continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care now and into the future.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: Training the next generation of physicians, pharmacists
Reporting by Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, President & CEO of Lee Health / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, President & CEO of Lee Health | USA TODAY Network
