Amid growing population, Crestwood bringing dozens of resident doctors
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Finding a doctor is so important, but it is becoming increasingly hard for a lot of people.
In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates there will be a nationwide shortage of 86,000 doctors by 2036.
Crestwood Medical Center is hoping it’s new residency programs and clinics can be the solution for patients looking for care.
It recently celebrated the opening of the Crestwood Family Health & Wellness and Family Residency Clinic. The Clinic located at 4800 Whitesport Circle in Huntsville is now open and offering primary care services.
“I started this residency program based on the needs of the community,” said Dr. Shaista Qureshi, the Attending Physician and Program Director.
Dr. Qureshi said bringing more doctors to the area is paramount.
“There’s a huge, huge primary care shortage and it’s going to get worse by the year 2030,” she said. “In order for us to keep the population healthy, that’s why we need to train more primary care physicians” she added.
Boy Scouts of America changing name to more inclusive Scouting America after years of woes
Eight primary care residents recently started at the new clinic, with eight more residents coming in June.
“They are capable of performing procedures under supervision, they’re also capable of writing medications, and they are also capable of doing exams,” Dr. Qureshi said. “So they’re technically full-fledged doctors.”
One of the eight residents, Dr. Christian Harmon is no stranger to Huntsville, having grown up here. Dr. Harmon said he’s thrilled to be able to start treating patients here.
“When I found out they had a program here at Crestwood, I was extremely excited,” he said.
Dr. Harmon said while word is already getting out about the new clinic, there is still plenty of room for new patients.
“A lot of times you can get a visit the exact same day that you call us and you can get establishment of primary care visits that the exact same day that you call us,” he said.
The Family Medicine Residency program is expected to bring 24 new resident doctors to the clinic over the next few years.
Crestwood is also opening an Internal Residency Clinic with 12 residents to start out.
Dr. Qureshi said these programs will be able to serve hundreds of patients in the Huntsville area.
“By year three, between the two programs, will have 60 doctors who will be meeting the needs of the community, of the growing community,” Dr. Qureshi said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
