Addressing the physician shortage in Michigan

According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, more than 30% of Americans do not have a primary care doctor due to a shortage of physicians. The gap between the number of patients in need of care and the number of physicians available is expected to widen. By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects the US “will be short as many as 124,000 physicians and that more than a third of them will be primary care providers.”

The CMU College of Medicine was founded with a mission to address the physician shortage, especially here in Michigan. Since the first graduating class, each year 40 to 55% of our students have remained in the state for their residency training. The graduating class of 2024 achieved a remarkable 100% match rate and 58% of our graduates will continue their medical careers in Michigan communities.

Jacob Presto and his wife are both from southeast Michigan. He chose to attend CMU’s College of Medicine, in part, to remain close to family. He also loved the team-based learning environment offered by CMU and felt that he would be in a class that was collaborative, cordial and enthusiastic. Jacob entered medical school knowing he wanted to pursue a career in surgery. He was asked to scrub in on an open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair during the first day of his surgical rotation and he says “it captivated me instantly.”  After that he sought out more opportunities to learn about vascular surgery. For Jacob, it was an easy choice, “[vascular surgery] excited me more than any surgical or non-surgical medical specialty.” He will be completing his residency training at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI.

Lateef Shafau is from Detroit and attended CMU for his undergraduate studies. He chose CMU because he felt it was close enough to family that he could visit regularly, but far enough away that he was able to focus on his education.  Lateef was selected for the CMED Honors Early Assurance program which provides mentorship and meaningful clinical and classroom experiences as well as opportunities to get involved in community events.  With an interest and aptitude for understanding anatomy, specifically the musculoskeletal system, as well as a desire to work in an operating room, Lateef has chosen a career in orthopedic surgery. “I love the OR. I love MSK,” he says. “I could not see another field that utilizes anatomy like ortho.” Lateef will be returning to his hometown as a resident in the Orthopedic Program with DMC Hospital in Detroit, MI.

Brittni Eller was born and raised on the west side of the state in Wyoming, MI. She enjoyed the team-based learning offered by the College of Medicine. She also felt the College curriculum and practices did a great job in preparing students for work in a hospital environment. Brittni has chosen to continue her training in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. “I want to meet women where they are on their health journey,” she says.  “Women are often strong and self-sacrificing. I want to be an advocate for those that advocate for others.”  Brittni is happy and incredibly proud to be completing her training through the Corewell Health Grand Rapids/MSU OB/GYN Residency Program in the very hospital where she was born!