HOUSTON METHODIST TRAINS 267 MEDICAL RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS. Philanthropy helps support some of these positions which become named scholars in honor of their supporting benefactors. Some residents also participate in Houston Methodist’s Community Scholars Program, a unique training opportunity that takes specialty care to clinics in underserved Houston communities. ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES faced
by a major academic training hospital is funding its education mission. Only a portion of post-graduate medical education programs are supported by government sources, and the number of residencies and fellowships available have not kept pace with the number of medical student graduates. This shortage is especially acute in Texas, where an estimated 45 percent of all medical school graduates end up in out-ofstate residencies – and ultimately spend their careers in other states. Through the generosity of forwardthinking benefactors, Houston Methodist trains the next generation of physicianscientists. These scholars programs allow physician-mentors to educate fellows and residents daily, providing on-the-spot training and learning opportunities to address the health conditions of a diverse population. The program was originally established through the generosity of The Cullen Foundation and has expanded through the support of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Anne and Charles Duncan and Becky and Ralph O’Connor. OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
was founded in1920 and has evolved into a leading international oil and gas exploration and production company. In 2014 its headquarters moved from Los Angeles to Houston, where the company sought out opportunities to support the Houston community. “Part of our corporate obligation means we engage in the community and give back,” says Stephen I. Chazen, former president and CEO of OXY. “We always get involved in the countries and the communities where we drill. For example, we provide education and health care in countries such as Colombia, Oman and others.” In Houston, OXY leveraged its support by coupling physician training with the treatment of people who do not have access to health care. The Houston Methodist Community Scholars Program was a great fit, partnering veteran specialist physicians with residents and fellows to care for uninsured and underserved patients in community clinics throughout the Houston area. The company’s $4 million commitment will help sustain the program for many years to come. “We hope this program will encourage more people to support Houston Methodist,” says Stephen. “We also hope that people will get care they might not otherwise receive.”
OXY SCHOLARS COMBINES SUPPORT FOR PHYSICIANS’ TRAINING WITH GENEROSITY THAT HELPS TREAT PATIENTS WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE RECEIVE CARE
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