Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residency Program

Hear from Mercy leaders about how Graduate Medical Education is strengthening healthcare access while creating lasting economic impact for southwest Missouri.

One step Mercy has taken to attract new physicians is to launch its own GME program. This move allows Mercy to train medical residents and comes on the heels of MU launching a four-year medical school in Springfield. Research shows doctors are more likely to build their careers in the community in which they complete residency, so not only does the GME program help every healthcare system in the region with recruiting, but it also benefits the Springfield economy. As Mercy evaluated the potential success of the GME program, it reached out to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce which completed an economic impact study. The study estimated the program will sustain 635 jobs and generate more than $111 million in economic output in Greene County over the program’s first seven years through the household spending of the residents that end up staying in the county. “This program helps healthcare providers across the region that are facing workforce shortages,” said John Myers, president of Mercy Springfield Communities. “Springfield is already a medical hub for all of southwest Missouri, and we’re only seeing patient demand grow. Ensuring we have enough doctors to care for our community means shorter wait times, care that’s closer to home and a healthier community overall. By shoring up our workforce pipeline here in our own backyard, we’re caring for our community as a whole.”

Why This Matters

Organizations often spend significant time and resources recruiting experienced talent from outside their community. Mercy's Graduate Medical Education program takes a different approach by developing talent locally.

Research consistently shows that physicians are more likely to establish their careers where they complete residency. That principle extends well beyond healthcare. Businesses that create opportunities for people to learn, grow and build relationships locally often see stronger retention and deeper community connections.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's economic impact study reinforces another important lesson: workforce development benefits far more than the organization making the investment. Strong talent pipelines support economic growth, strengthen local businesses and help communities remain competitive for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Developing talent locally improves long-term retention.
• Workforce investments create broader economic benefits.
• Strong communities attract and keep strong talent.