ARLINGTON, Texas — Fifty-five physicians who are taking the next step in their careers are joining Texas Health Resources graduate medical education (GME) programs.

Texas Health Dallas started the system’s first GME program in 1977.

This year’s incoming class includes the first group to begin a new program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.

The residents learned they secured positions in Texas Health’s GME programs on Match Day 2024, an annual event during which the National Residency Matching Program pairs senior and recently graduated medical school students with residencies to complete their chosen medical specialty training.

“Match Day is a milestone in the career of every doctor,” said Shelly Monks, chief academic officer for Texas Health. “These physicians have completed four years of medical school and are now ready to embark on training within their selected specialty as the next step in their medical career. We are excited to welcome them to Texas Health for a high-quality training experience that will prepare them for successful careers contributing to the health of the communities we serve.”

Match Day, which fell on March 15 this year, is marked by celebrations at medical schools nationwide. The 55 residents will participate in orientation events in upcoming weeks.

Training physicians to meet future needs is a state and national focus. A May 2022 report by Texas Health and Human Services states there will not be enough physicians to meet future demands, according to projections based on medical education enrollment data. The state projects shortages in all primary care specialties.

In North Texas, Texas Health is committed to helping develop well-trained, compassionate physicians who will serve patients and their families in the region for years to come while meeting health industry demands for more physicians.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas started the system’s first GME program, in internal medicine, in 1977.

Since 2021, Texas Health has been growing its graduate medical education program. Internal medicine residencies were added at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford, which also has clinical rotations at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton. And the Texas Health Fort Worth General Surgery Residency Program is training a new generation of surgeons. Texas Health Plano’s first class of internal medicine residents will begin their three years of training this July.

“We are excited to welcome our first class of residents,” said Isitri Modak, M.D., program director at Texas Health Plano. “We are committed to providing an exceptional graduate medical education training experience focusing on our core values of personal well-being, teamwork, curiosity, impact and service.”