New program at University of Illinois Rockford aims to retain local medical talent

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford welcomed new members to its Integrated Family Medicine Residency Program, aiming to retain medical students locally after graduation.

The program, launched in 2023, seeks to address the shortage of family physicians in the Rockford area by offering participants additional training and financial incentives.

“I have been in Rockford now for almost 4 years, and I feel like the last two have been so great,” said Cheyenne Carr, a fourth-year medical student who joined the program. “I’ve met people here that want to support and stay with me.”

Laura Berger, another fourth-year student in the program, emphasized the importance of building relationships with clients. “The more that you stay in an area, people just get to know you,” she said.

Participants in the program receive both training and financial support, although specific details about these incentives were not disclosed.

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