Release Details

United Regioanl Announces Innovative Physician Recruitment Program

Wednesday Apr. 1, 2009

United Regional has implemented an innovative physician recruitment program to help ensure that the medical needs of the community are met now and in the future. The recruitment program evolved from a conversation between Phyllis Cowling, president and CEO, and David Flack, M.D., a pathologist and father of a current medical student. “Individuals who would be in the program are already familiar with north Texas and the attributes of our community. This pool of candidates seems ideal to help us build the next generation of local physicians,” states Dr. Flack. Ms. Cowling enthusiastically agreed and the program, “Future in the Falls,” quickly got underway. 
 
The Future in the Falls program reaches out to medical students, interns, residents and fellows who have family ties to Wichita Falls and the surrounding area. United Regional and physicians currently practicing in Wichita Falls, regularly communicate with the program participants to provide support and guidance as they progress in their medical education. The participants are given opportunities to visit a variety of clinical departments and medical specialties at United Regional, attend medical education programs, and talk one-on-one with physicians by telephone, through email or personal visits. 
 
The United Regional Foundation will begin raising funds to provide scholarships to participating medical students who meet selection committee criteria. The scholarships will be paid directly to the medical schools to help defray educational costs. While accepting a scholarship will in no way obligate students to practice in Wichita Falls after receiving their medical degree, it is anticipated that those who participate in the Future in the Falls Program are giving significant consideration to returning to the area.
 
Future in the Falls program participants have responded very favorably to the support United Regional and the community physicians have provided. There are currently 31 participants in the program. Area residents who know of potential Future in the Falls program participants may contact Vicki Finnell, director of provider relations, at 940-764-3028.