Page 5 - DHMMCF_Magazine_Winter2014_8.5x11_012114_WEB[1]

Local family medicine physicians and Keck School of Medicine of USC graduates (left to right) John Okerblom, M.D., Robert Okerblom, M.D.,
Donald Hole, M.D., and Michael Schrager, M.D., pose for a photo in front of Marian Regional Medical Center.

for a total of 18 residents. As a dully-accredited, three-year, Dr. Robert Okerblom explains, “With a new hospital located in
post-graduate program, which also includes an affiliation with a vacation destination region and a large number of receptive,
Western University, physician residents at Marian will experi- diverse and challenging patients, Marian’s residency pro-
ence the entire spectrum of family medicine, from labor and gram will provide an educational experience difficult to find
delivery to geriatrics and every stage of life in between. anywhere else. Our location and new hospital provide many
desirable educational and lifestyle aspects. As a result, many
Longtime family medicine physicians and Keck School of of the program’s residents will decide to establish practices and
Medicine graduates, Donald Hole, M.D., John Okerblom, M.D., raise their families here on the Central Coast.”
Robert Okerblom, M.D., and Michael Schrager, M.D., under-
stand the value of Marian’s residency affiliation with USC. “With the motto ‘See one. Do one. Teach one.’ the Keck School
of Medicine stands by its tradition of providing physician
“As a Keck School of Medicine alumni, I am confident that residents with a foundation for life-long learning as well as a
Marian’s USC connection will provide the medical center and practical experience,” affirms Dr. Donald Hole. “Physician
our residents with the highest academic standards, the latest residents at Marian will also have the benefit of being part of
in cutting edge research and the greatest minds in medicine,” the only residency program at a large tertiary hospital, provid-
shares Dr. John Okerblom. ing residents with access to challenging patients and hands on
experience in all specialties.”
Dr. Michael Schrager, Dignity Health Hospice Medical
Director, adds, “Marian’s resident physicians will have the ben- THE RECRUITMENT
efit of training in a unique and ideal environment – a commu-
nity-based setting with the support of a world-class university. Marian has recruited top physician faculty members, skilled
Residents’ training environment is a fundamental element to health care professionals and is currently recruiting prospec-
understanding family medicine because as primary care physi- tive physician residents who all share one commonality: they
cians we must learn to care for the masses, treating common all have the passion and expertise to be leaders in their field.
conditions uncommonly well.”

Although Marian’s USC affiliation is crucial to providing the Within just months of instituting the program, Marian re-
highest level of primary care residency training, more impor- ceived more than 150 applications from the nation’s brightest
tantly, the USC affiliation will improve the level of health care and most talented physicians who are inspired to be pioneer-
provided to all community members. ing leaders as Marian’s first class of family medicine residents.

5