Title
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute a no cost education agreement with Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service for family medicine resident electives with NMC with an agreement term of October 1, 2020 through September 31, 2025.
b. Approve the NMC Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation to accept non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions within the agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute a no cost education agreement with Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service for family medicine resident electives with NMC with an agreement term of October 1, 2020 through September 31, 2025.
b. Approve the NMC Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation to accept non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions within the agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement is to provide Natividad residents with the opportunity to do elective rotations with the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service. The Indian Health Service has a well-structured medical education program in which health professions students and residents rotate in their clinics and hospitals. This elective will provide Natividad Family Medicine residents training on issues unique to providing medical care in Indian Health Service settings, including concentrated experience in rural health and health issues unique to the underserved community on the Zuni reservation. Residents will be supervised at all times by physicians employed by the Indian Health Service.
The Natividad Family Medicine Residency attracts physicians who are committed to caring for the most vulnerable communities. Many residents have requested elective rotations with the Indian Health Service. Training in rural, low resource settings enhances their preparation for future rural health practice as well as develops their skills in caring for many of the medical conditions found commonly among underserved populations. Offering this elective experience will enhance our ability to recruit the best residency applicants.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel reviewed and approved this agreement as to form. The agreement was reviewed and approved by NMC’s Special Finance Committee and Board of Trustees on September 11, 2020.
FINANCING:
There is no cost associated with this education agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Supporting Family Medicine Resident electives with the Indian Health Service enhances preparation and skill of our Natividad Family Medicine Residency graduates, many of whom stay to practice primary care in Monterey County. Offering elective opportunities such as this one makes our residency more attractive to medical students who are committed to public service and therefore more likely to practice primary care where there is greatest need, particularly in rural areas of the county.
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Prepared by: Melissa Nothnagle, MD, Director of Family Medicine, 755-4201
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2553
Attachments:
Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service Education Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board