FSU College of Medicine welcomes 121 new doctors to residency and fellowship programs to tackle Florida’s growing physician shortage
Tallahassee, Florida – In a move aimed at addressing Florida’s persistent physician shortage and improving access to quality health care, the Florida State University College of Medicine has welcomed 131 new physician residents and fellows into its Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs across the state. The incoming class marks a significant milestone for FSU’s GME initiative, which continues to expand its reach in collaboration with hospitals, clinics, and health care providers throughout Florida.
The newest cohort joins more than 264 physicians already enrolled in FSU’s residencies and fellowships, bringing fresh energy and expertise to programs spanning 26 specialties. These include family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, and numerous other critical areas of care. FSU’s GME programs are distributed across the state, with partnerships in both urban centers and rural communities, reflecting the college’s commitment to addressing gaps in health care access.
“We continue to expand our GME programs to directly address Florida’s growing physician shortage and to improve access to outstanding health care, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the College of Medicine. “None of this would be possible without the strong partnerships we have with hospitals, clinics and physicians across the state, the support of the Florida Legislature, and the hard work of our 325 faculty who, even as busy physicians themselves, are dedicated to medical education and training the next generation of physicians.”
Since the start of the year, the FSU GME program has taken steps to accelerate growth and diversify its training offerings. The program recently assumed sponsorship of two fellowships through the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, which supports the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze. Additionally, four physician residency programs at Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals in Northwest Florida, as well as the family medicine residency program and the family medicine OB/GYN fellowship at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, have been integrated under FSU’s sponsorship.
“Many people think we just train residents and fellows. We have a bigger mission. A bigger obligation,” said Bill Boyer, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education and the Designated Institutional Official for all sponsored GME programs at the College of Medicine. “Our GME program not only addresses workforce development, but we also focus on recruiting high-quality academic physicians into the community who want to teach and take care of patients. Studies indicate many people want to be treated in academic medical centers. We also assist our partners in identifying and expanding service lines and care — both tertiary and quaternary — all for the benefit of the citizens of our state.”
The urgency behind FSU’s rapid expansion is tied to Florida’s rising population and the statewide shortage of physicians. Lawmakers have taken notice, with the Florida Legislature passing multiple bills aimed at expanding medical training opportunities. In March 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law four bills collectively known as Live Healthy, which include provisions for increasing medical residency slots throughout the state. These measures are designed to ensure that medical school graduates can remain in Florida to complete their residencies and continue providing care locally.
Statistics underline the importance of keeping physicians in-state. Data indicates that 75% of physicians who attend medical school and complete their residency programs in Florida choose to remain in the state, providing critical health care services to local communities. A recent study from the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida found that FSU-sponsored residency programs rank among the most sought-after programs in the state, achieving a 100% match rate for each year between 2020 and 2024 — a distinction shared by only nine other programs statewide.
“Our program, along with our health care partners, fills all available slots each year,” Boyer noted. “Additional GME growth is anticipated as FSU Health continues to expand statewide.” FSU Health, a transformative initiative launched by the university, seeks to improve health outcomes across North Florida by leveraging the institution’s research capabilities and educational programs while forging new partnerships with clinical care providers.
Residency programs, which last between three and seven years depending on the specialty, are a critical phase in a physician’s training. During this time, newly graduated doctors gain hands-on experience under the supervision of seasoned physicians, learning to manage real-world medical cases and refine their clinical skills. Fellowships, which are optional, provide even more specialized training, allowing physicians to focus on areas such as cardiology, oncology, or orthopedic surgery after completing residency.
The College of Medicine graduates roughly 120 physicians each year, many of whom enter residency programs within Florida. With the latest class, FSU has now produced over 2,000 physician alumni, with more than 600 practicing or completing residencies across the state. This growing network of trained physicians is helping to bridge gaps in medical access and improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas where physician shortages are most acute.
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FSU’s commitment to medical education extends beyond simple training. By partnering with local hospitals and clinics, the college ensures that residents and fellows gain experience in both high-volume urban medical centers and smaller rural facilities. This approach not only equips physicians with diverse clinical experience but also encourages them to remain in communities that are historically underserved.
“This is about more than just filling residency slots,” Littles said. “It is about ensuring that Florida’s residents have access to highly trained, compassionate physicians who can meet the growing demand for health care in our state.”
As Florida continues to grow, programs like FSU’s GME are likely to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the state’s medical landscape. By expanding residency and fellowship opportunities, the college is addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of Florida’s health care system, ensuring that residents across the state receive timely and high-quality medical care.
With its latest class of 131 residents and fellows, the Florida State University College of Medicine demonstrates that investment in education, partnerships, and workforce development can have a tangible impact on the health and well-being of communities across the Sunshine State.
