CoxHealth to launch new family medicine residency program

Blake Bassett

Madeline LaMartina

Cassandra Sturdy

Clayton Tindell

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CoxHealth’s graduate medical efforts are expanding with the announcement of a new family medicine residency program in Branson.

The new program, which will be based at Cox Medical Center Branson and begin this summer, is the second such initiative for the Springfield-based health system, according to a news release. CoxHealth’s first family medicine residency program was established in Springfield in 1987, according to its website. Officials say purposes behind the program include expansion of training opportunities for future physicians and advancement of the long-term goal to increase the number of primary care providers serving community across the Ozarks.

“The new residency program in Branson demonstrates CoxHealth’s lasting commitment to expanding access to exceptional primary care,” said Dr. Andi Selby, who will lead the inaugural program. “Investing in rural physician training helps maintain stable, trusted care for the communities we serve.”

Selby is a Mayo Clinic-trained family medicine physician who also practices primary care for CoxHealth in Branson, according to the release.

The inaugural class of family medicine residents matched with Cox Medical Center Branson will begin their training in July. They are:

• Blake Bassett, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Madeline LaMartina, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, Arkansas

• Cassandra Sturdy, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, Oklahoma

• Clayton Tindell, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Joplin

“We are excited to welcome this outstanding group of future family physicians to the Ozarks,” Selby said in the release, noting physicians who train locally are far more likely to remain in the community. “Their commitment to primary care and enthusiasm for rural medicine align perfectly with our program’s mission and the needs of our patients.”

As of this month, CoxHealth’s Springfield family medicine residency program has graduated 264 family physicians since its launch, according to its website.