This grant helped provide training equipment for the new Center for Medical Education and Research adjacent to the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Cape Fear Valley Health System (CFVHS) was in the third year of its physician residency program at Cumberland County Hospital. The program was initiated to address the physician shortage in southeastern North Carolina, as studies showed more than half of all physicians went into practice within 50 miles of where they completed their residencies. To provide the classroom, auditorium, and learning space needed for the program, CFVHS built the Center for Medical Education and Research. At that time, the program had 110 residents. CFVHS expected to add another 58 residents in 2020 and expand to the full capacity of 305 residents within three years. Most residency placements were at least four years. By 2022, CFVHS anticipated that 69 physicians would complete their residency programs. CFVHS assumed responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades needed for the equipment. Federal funding received for each resident supported the ongoing costs of the program. CFVHS was committed to providing any additional funding needed to sustain the program and equipment. Golden LEAF funds were used to fund technology for the main lecture auditorium.
