Iroquois Healthcare>Take A Look Program

TAKE A LOOK PROGRAM

Program Overview

The Take A Look Program was a physician recruitment and workforce exposure initiative led by the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) to address persistent healthcare workforce shortages in Upstate New York. The program was designed to introduce healthcare professionals in training, particularly medical residents and students, to practice opportunities in rural and underserved Upstate communities.

Through immersive, multi‑day experiences, participants were given a firsthand look at Upstate New York hospitals, medical staff, and local communities. The program sought to ensure that Upstate New York was top of mind for participants as they completed their training and began their job search.

 

Core Program Components

The Take A Look Program consisted of several key components that provided participants with meaningful exposure to healthcare practice in Upstate New York:

  • Guided, Multi‑Day Site Visits: Participants took part in three‑day guided tours that included visits to hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and ambulatory care sites throughout Upstate New York.
  • Direct Engagement with Healthcare Leaders: The program facilitated opportunities for participants to meet and interact with physicians, hospital administrators, and clinical leaders who shared insights into practicing medicine in rural and community‑based settings.
  • Community and Cultural Exposure: In addition to clinical site visits, participants were introduced to the surrounding communities, allowing them to better understand the lifestyle, culture, and professional opportunities available in Upstate New York.
  • Partnerships with Workforce Programs: The Take A Look Program complemented broader state and regional workforce initiatives, including physician recruitment and loan forgiveness programs aimed at increasing access to care in underserved areas.

 

Program Goals

The goals of the Take A Look Program were to:

  • Increase awareness of healthcare career opportunities in Upstate New York
  • Encourage physicians and healthcare professionals in training to consider practicing in rural and underserved communities
  • Support hospitals facing physician shortages by strengthening recruitment pipelines
  • Highlight the professional, personal, and community benefits of practicing medicine in Upstate New York
  • Contribute to long‑term workforce stability for hospitals and health systems across the region

 

 

Program Impact

Over the course of its operation, the Take A Look Program made a meaningful contribution to healthcare workforce development in Upstate New York:

  • Medical residents and students from downstate training programs participated in immersive tours of Upstate hospitals and communities
  • Participants reported increased awareness of and interest in career opportunities in rural and community‑based healthcare settings
  • Hospitals and communities were able to directly showcase their clinical environments, culture, and quality of life to future healthcare professionals
  • The program helped strengthen long‑term recruitment efforts by fostering early connections between trainees and Upstate healthcare providers

Through this hands‑on exposure model, the Take A Look Program supported IHA’s broader mission to improve access to care, strengthen rural health systems, and build a sustainable healthcare workforce across Upstate New York.

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Resources

Additional materials related to the initiative include: