New Teaching Hospital and Program Development

BHSF required a comprehensive strategy, feasibility analysis, and implementation plan to support the regional expansion of GME into select health system locations. Additionally, BHSF was interested in developing a more formal agreement with Florida International University (FIU) to support the academic components of the training programs.

BHSF and FIU shared a vision of expanding opportunities to attract, train, and retain a diverse group of socially accountable, community-based physicians to improve health and healthcare for patients and communities and support Baptist Health Medical Group’s anticipated future workforce needs. In 2018, a recommendation to pursue a phased approach to GME expansion was presented to the BHSF Board of Directors, and leadership was subsequently charged with conducting implementation planning. ECG was selected to lead the process of new program establishment.

ECG assembled a team of multidisciplinary subject matter experts to develop a comprehensive GME expansion strategy. The team:

• Identified existing clinical and educational capabilities and gaps across BHSF and FIU’s combined infrastructure to ensure compliance with ACGME program requirements for each specialty.
• Helped BHSF evaluate the different kinds of spaces and facility sizes needed to support the planned GME programs.
• Developed planning scenarios to outline the proposed programs by specialty, size, and location.
• Created a 15 year projection of the revenues and expenses associated with the GME expansion.
• Concurrently supported conversations surrounding the evolving partnership with FIU and developed a framework to support a joint GME governance structure across both institutions.
• Developed an implementation roadmap and timeline to support the staged investment, hiring, and clinical preparation required to ensure smooth program launches.

ECG provided the health system with an actionable plan for launching a comprehensive regional GME strategy. The GME expansion would encompass more than 20 new ACGME-accredited programs with 200-plus residents and fellows training across multiple hospital locations. The plan included a 15-year, multi-million-dollar P&L to support financial planning and inform start-up and ongoing investment in GME programming.

ECG also delivered a comprehensive space plan, including plans for call rooms, locker rooms, resident workspaces, resident lounges, and meeting and classroom spaces in each new teaching facility. The infrastructure buildout across all the BHSF hospitals was anticipated to encompass more than 35,000 square feet.

BHSF leaders used ECG’s financial projections and facility estimates to gain approval from the Board of Trustees to move forward with the GME expansion, which will play a role in addressing the looming physician shortage in Florida.

Key Outcomes

Strategic plan for 20+ new teaching programs

Expected buildout of 35,000+ square feet