Dominican Hospital Matched with 8 Morehouse Medical Students in Training

For the first time, eight medical students at Morehouse School of Medicine have been matched to come to Dignity Health Dominican Hospital in July for a three-year residency program as the next step in their training to become a physician.

The announcement of the eight residents from Morehouse, a historically Black medical school, was made on Match Day March 15, an annual occasion within medical circles, which this year had 50,413 apply for a residency program, up 4.7% from a year ago. That matches are made by algorithm.

The increase was due largely to 1,986 non-U.S. citizen international medical graduates and 623 seniors in osteopathic medicine.

Of all positions offered, 38,941 filled for a rate of 93.8%.

The 2024 Match offered 19,423 primary care positions, which includes training for internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics. Emergency medicine offered 3,026 positions, and the pediatrics specialty 3,139. Specialties included surgery, radiology, and obstetrics/gynecology.

CommonSpirit Health, Dominican’s parent organization, and the Morehouse School of Medicine are backing a 10-year $100 million initiative — More in Common Alliance — to increase medical education opportunities for more Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Dominican Hospital was chosen as one of seven sites nationally to address two of the most pressing challenges in healthcare — a shortage of diverse clinicians and the need for more equitable health care.

“This is a pivotal milestone in our journey towards equitable healthcare provision in Santa Cruz, said Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, president and CEO, Dominican Hospital. “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.”

The More in Common Alliance Family Medicine Residency Program at Dominican Hospital reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented medical students.

Post-graduate residents will benefit from clinical training focused on addressing health inequities and working with underserved patients.

For example, Santa Cruz Community Health Center sponsors the resident physicians’ outpatient continuity clinic training. And Salud Para La Gente and Watsonville Community Hospital in South Santa Cruz County provide 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.