Advances in Medical Education and Practice (Feb 2023)
The Primary Care Transformation Executive Fellowship to Develop Community Health Center Leaders
Abstract
Joy H Lewis,1 Surekha Appikatla,1 Eboni Anderson,1 Kelli Glaser,2 Ebony B Whisenant1 1Department of Public Health, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, AZ, USA; 2Department of Primary Care, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, USACorrespondence: Joy H Lewis, A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, 5850 E. Still Circle, Mesa, AZ, 85206, USA, Tel +1 660 626 2121, Fax +1 480 389 3661, Email [email protected]: Although many primary care providers from community health centers recognize health disparities and work to transform healthcare, skill gaps and limited support may hinder their ability to be change agents. The Primary Care Transformation Executive (PCTE) Fellowship at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) seeks to address these barriers by providing professional development and support to primary care providers interested in leading change in the nation’s health centers.Methods: The PCTE Fellowship is a structured, one-year interprofessional learning experience that emphasizes topics such as healthcare transformation, interprofessional practice, leadership development, and systems thinking. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the program was accomplished through surveys and semi-structured interviews throughout the fellowship.Results: Feedback from 18 fellows showed perceived improvements in knowledge and skills related to the various curricular topics, increased engagement in leadership activities, and career advancement. Fellows developed practice and quality improvement projects and successfully implemented the projects within their health systems, addressing observed disparities.Conclusion: Professional development and directed support for primary care providers can enhance their engagement in healthcare transformation and advance health equity.Keywords: leadership, healthcare transformation, quadruple AIM, health systems science, social determinants of health, community health center, population health
