Long Family Foundation supports GME campaign at TidalHealth

SALISBURY – The support for TidalHealth’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) SPARK campaign grew significantly with a recent and generous $110,000 donation from the Philip and Barbara Long Family Foundation.

The donation, through the TidalHealth Foundation, is partially in support of the new Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic on East Church St. in Salisbury, which will serve as home base for the health system’s internal medicine residents. It will also be used for the purchase of medical technology and training tools for the Simulation Center at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional where residents train.

“As a local foundation, The Philip and Barbara Long Family Foundation has a great understanding of our region’s unique healthcare needs, which makes their support even more impactful,” said Jessica Hales, President, TidalHealth Foundation. “This partnership not only strengthens our programs but also reinforces our shared dedication to nurturing the next generation of medical leaders who will serve our community with skill and compassion.”

By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) anticipates doctor shortages of between 38,000 and 124,000 as an aging physician population nears retirement. It’s why TidalHealth has launched a GME program to include residency and fellowship training programs.

The TidalHealth Foundation’s “SPARK” campaign focuses on raising the funds necessary to establish and support GME at TidalHealth, which provides the appropriate space and atmosphere for residents to learn and treat patients, and at the same time creating a pipeline of physicians who may want to train here, live here, and practice medicine in our region.

Philanthropy is the spark that will accelerate this project and ignite an entirely new future. For more information on the GME program or on how you can offer support, visit tidalhealth.org/spark or contact the TidalHealth Foundation at 410-543-7140 or foundation@tidalhealth.org .