On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center celebrated the opening of its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident Suite and Lounge. Photo courtesy of Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center celebrated the opening of its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident Suite and Lounge, a dedicated space supporting the hospital’s new internal medicine residency program.

The project is made possible through the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) Song-Brown Healthcare Workforce Training Program Grant and the support of Mercy Foundation, including a philanthropic gift of $500,000 from Western Health Advantage.

Mercy San Juan welcomed its first class of ten internal residents on July 1. The three-year program provides hands-on training across hospital and outpatient settings, including internal medicine units, intensive care, cardiology, infectious disease and ambulatory care. The residency program is designed to strengthen the physician workforce in Northern California and improve access to high-quality care in underserved communities.

The new Resident Suite includes classrooms for didactic learning, computer workstations, resident and faculty office space, sleeping and meditation rooms, showers and a lactation room. The Western Health Advantage Resident Lounge offers dedicated space to support residents’ wellness and work-life balance. 

“With the launch of our residency program, Mercy San Juan has officially become a teaching hospital,” said Austin Manning, President and CEO of Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

“Residents bring fresh perspectives and new energy that elevate the learning environment and enhance patient care. We are proud to help train the next generation of physicians who will serve our communities in the years ahead. We are deeply grateful to the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information, Mercy Foundation and Western Health Advantage for their partnership and support.” 

Residency training within the communities served by Dignity Health is an important step in strengthening the long-term physician pipeline.

“By training physicians at Mercy San Juan, we are preparing future attendings who understand the needs of our patients and our region,” said Dr. Vimal Mishra, Chief Medical Officer at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

“Many of these residents will go on to become outstanding attending physicians within our own facilities, ensuring our patients continue to receive expert care for decades to come.” 

Western Health Advantage’s support reflects its commitment to improving healthcare access and physician development in the Sacramento region. 

“As a community-based health plan, Western Health Advantage is honored to stand alongside Dignity Health in this important investment in our region’s future,” said Khuram Arif, President and incoming CEO of Western Health Advantage. “Together, we’re ensuring that Sacramento continues to thrive as a center of excellence in health care and community well-being.”