CHI Health & Creighton University partnering to provide rural doctors

OMAHA & KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - With a national nursing shortage plaguing the U.S, rural hospitals in Nebraska are facing staffing challenges as well.

CHI Health and it academic medical partner, Creighton University School of Medicine, have created two new programs to give new graduates experience in both urban and rural areas of Nebraska during their residency.

As part of the programs, they’ve also created a hybrid rural track for Internal Medicine and Psychiatry residents. Those accepted will spend half of their residency at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy in Omaha, and the other half at Good Samaritan in Kearney.

“The need for physicians practicing internal medicine and psychiatry continues to grow in our rural communities,” said Dr. Cary Ward, CHI Health Chief Medical Officer. “As the largest healthcare provider in Nebraska, CHI Health is proud to partner with Creighton University on these rural track programs to train great physicians - many of whom we hope will continue to serve these communities in the years to come.”

Applications are now being accepted for the programs.