Pediatric residents' program a win-win-win

What’s better than a doctor choosing to specialize in pediatrics learning in a rural environment while being supervised by experienced pediatricians with a passion for teaching while also serving the needs of our local children? Can’t think of anything?

Nor can Dr. Joyce Gilbert who with Dr. George DeLand went through a rigorous application process to be approved as a part of the University of Washington School of Medicine’s pediatric residents’ program.

Sandpoint is fortunate to be a part of two programs. The first, established in 1970, guarantees 20 students from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho slots in UW’s medical school. When they are in their third year they spend six months in one of those states with the hopes of returning home to practice.

In 2010, Sandpoint Pediatrics applied to host medical doctors who have chosen to specialize in some aspect of pediatrics. They competed fiercely with five other rural communities in the Pacific Northwest and won out.

“They were looking to find the most rural area,” Gilbert said. “We sold ourselves very well! They won’t get this kind of exposure anywhere else. They get the opportunity to see what primary care in a rural setting is all about.”

Resi-dents are housed and part of their salary is paid by Sandpoint Pediatrics. UW covers the malpractice insurance.

They are licensed specifically to do their residency in Idaho and have privileges at the hospital. Everything they do is supervised by either Dr. Gilbert or Dr. DeLand.

“They attend births, take calls, manage urgent care, they do it all,” Gilbert said. “Some come to us with an interest in a sub-specialty like cardiology or nephrology but also want experience in a rural practice.

“We even had one who planned on going into research come here to see what it’s all about. They get a well-rounded, amazing experience and come away with skills they didn’t have before they got here. They get to make diagnoses that they would never see in Seattle.”

Gilbert said that for her and DeLand it was an opportunity to pass on their extensive knowledge and experience. Their benefit is that the residents bring new ideas and innovations. Sandpoint Pediatrics also gets the advantage of affiliating with the university’s medical school’s vast resources. Plus, Gilbert, a clinical associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, attends an annual retreat to keep the program updated.

“Our patients love it!” Gilbert continued. “We get the cream of the crop because UW is the top notch program in the country. The residents bring fresh new ideas and a lot of energy. It’s really fun and our patients are sad to see them go.”

“We don’t see any negatives at all,” Gilbert concluded. “Our ultimate goal is to add a younger pediatrician to our practice especially one who has been exposed to our community. We have something so unique here. This type of medicine is only practiced in a rural setting.”

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com and 264-4029.