On June 19, Lisa Chan, MD, and Tiffany Ho, MD, became the first graduates of the International Community Health Center (ICHS) family medicine residency program. Established in 2016, the program trains residents to practice in a community health care setting via a partnership with the Swedish Family Medicine Residency at Cherry Hill. It offers physicians three years of training alongside the medical staff at the ICHS International District Clinic.

“Lisa and Tiffany have done an outstanding job caring for our patients, building trust, compassion and advocacy,” said Jessica Guh, a physician at ICHS’ Holly Park Clinic and the program’s site director. “They have formed positive, collaborative relationships that have encouraged patients to be more involved in their health care decisions. They have helped the International District Clinic increase access and reduce barriers to patient care.”

Dr. Chan and Dr. Ho have also started a new tradition for future program graduates. At their graduation ceremony, they announced the Donnie Chin Memorial Mission Award, which will honor outstanding community service from an International District Clinic staff member. The inaugural award went to medical assistants Caiyou (Yoyo) Wu and Fengmei (May) Lin.

“We’re pleased to recognize Yoyo and May’s long-term commitment to the clinic and their dedication to our patients that goes above and beyond their clinical roles,” said Ho. “They’ve both been incredibly compassionate and have helped us tremendously.”

Family physicians are often a patient’s first point of contact. They care for patients of all ages and genders through all stages of life. They play a key role in overseeing preventative care, diagnosing new conditions and managing chronic illness. Residencies like the one at ICHS are important in ensuring there are enough qualified professionals to meet future needs.

“ICHS is taking a leading role in training the next generation of qualified health professionals to practice in community health,” said Rayburn Lewis, ICHS chief medical officer. “Improving health care outcomes for underserved communities starts with well-trained providers who have experience delivering culturally and linguistically competent care.”

ICHS hosts a family nurse practitioner residency in addition to its family medicine residency. More information about ICHS’ family medicine residency program can be found here.