HRSA Team Hero

HRSA Primary Care Training and Enhancement Program: Community Champions Program

Are you ready to transform your practice to succeed in the new value-based primary care environment?

The Departments of Medicine, Family Medicine and Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have received funding from the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) to sponsor training of primary care clinicians in practice transformation to prepare for value-based care such as Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) or Accountable Care Organizations (ACO).

Characteristics of transformed health care delivery systems identified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) include:

  • Providers across the care continuum participate in integrated or virtually integrated delivery models
  • Care is coordinated across all providers and settings
  • High level of patient engagement and quantifiable results on patient experience
  • Providers leverage the use of health information technology to improve quality
  • Providers perform at the top of their license and board certification
  • Population health measures are integrated into the delivery system
  • Data are used to drive health system processes.

HRSA also recognizes addressing social determinants of health as a characteristic of transformed health care delivery systems.

Eligible providers must see medically underserved patients, and preference will be given to primary care providers in Federally Qualified Heath Centers, health departments or free clinics in rural areas. Eligible providers are physicians and physician assistants who have been in practice for at least two years. A one year commitment for the champions program is required, and the time commitment is expected to be one half day per week. Your practice will be reimbursed for your time commitment in this program.

One-Year Curriculum on Practice Transformation Includes:

  • Assessment of your practice transformation readiness
  • Lean Six Sigma quality improvement training: 6 month online curriculum mentored by staff of the Care Coordination Institute (CCI), Greenville, SC
  • Monthly webinar with faculty at MUSC – may be completed remotely
  • Website access to practice transformation resources
  • Practice-based Quality Improvement project for your home practice – mentored by MUSC faculty with design, data and analytic support
  • Paid attendance at your state specialty meeting to present your QI work, attendance at the CCI Chrysalis conference and attendance at the annual meeting of all HRSA-sponsored programs in Washington, DC

More information on the Practice Transformation Curriculum (PDF)

Participant Expectations:

  • Attend the kickoff call in January
  • Complete the self-paced online White Belt training and pass the exam
  • Complete the self-paced Yellow Belt & Waste Busters training and pass the exam
  • Execute one Yellow Belt-level improvement project – can be quick win waste reduction
  • Complete Green Belt pre-course online training
  • Attend live Green-belt training and pass the exam
  • Execute one Green Belt-level improvement project
  • Participate in monthly coaching webinars
  • Along the way ask questions via Private CCI Facebook group
  • Attend the live program wrap-up session
  • Participate as needed in private monthly coaching calls

Requirements for the Program:

  • Completed application form
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of support from your clinical leader/medical director

  **Submit Application by Clicking Here**


Posters by Past Champions

View posters by past HRSA champions (PDF)


Testimonials

“ I think the strengths of the program are effective mentorship and meaningful discussions about our future in healthcare. I’m increasingly more confident that I’ll be able to navigate through these changes and inspire my colleagues to move in the direction of quality improvement. I’ve learned so much about quality improvement cycles that I'll continue to apply to many aspects of my work and life. ”

Jill Aiken, M.D.

Dr. Jill Aiken

“The HRSA Primary Care Training and Enhancement Program has been an eye-opening experience. It has made me keenly aware of how quickly healthcare is changing. Medicine is forever evolving and in order to compete and remain relevant, we have to keep up with the pace. This program has provided a plethora of resources to enhance my practice. The Lean Six Sigma quality improvement training has definitely been beneficial. It has made available various tools to improve/streamline certain processes and procedures for more efficient performance in the practice. I have been invited to attend meetings/conferences that I would not have otherwise known about. (ex. CCI Symposium) and build relationships with other medical professionals outside of my own organization. ”


- Temisha Budden, PA-C

“ Highly supportive Program! Focus on primary care providers to become champions of practice transformation through a Quality Improvement educational program. It is important to have "buy in" from current practice-not only with your time, but with their time to help champion the project direction and implementation. The Lean Six Sigma course is very applicable to the practice of medicine. ”

Erin K. Balog, M.D.

Dr. Erin Balog

“ I found my time in the PCTE to be valuable. I’ve been able to not only expand my knowledge but also my network. I have additional colleagues across the state, in both similar and alternative practice types, with whom I’ve developed relationships. Our didactic sessions were theory but gave me information that I could make actionable in our practices immediately. I’d highly recommend this program. ”

Jeniqua Duncan, D.O., MBA

Dr. Jill Aiken

“ When I began the program, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was optimistic it would make me a better leader. Nearing completion of the program, I now recognize I have learned a lot about leadership and great ways to implement meaningful change within my practice. I enjoyed meeting other physicians who were also trying to better themselves and their practice. A great experience on many levels! ”

Kate Herwig, M.D.

Dr. Jill Aiken

“The HRSA/MUSC Community Champions fellowship has really been a blessing for me. In addition to the camaraderie of working and learning with like-minded individuals, the focus on a systematic approach to quality improvement through the Lean Six Sigma training has been invaluable. It has given me skills to feel confident in identifying and addressing other deficiencies in my large group practice. I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone through this fellowship program. ”


- Kelli E. Johnston, DO FAAP

“ I’ve found the program to be a challenging and rewarding experience. The meetings with MUSC staff were thought provoking and covered a variety of topics. The Lean Six Sigma instruction was given by a passionate leader who works tirelessly to assist with successful project completion. I’m grateful to have participated in the program and obtain knowledge I’ll use to improve patient quality of care. ”

Christine McGinley, D.O.

Dr. Jill Aiken