Welcoming 2026: A Milestone Year for Our Family Medicine Residency
Introduction
As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in 2026, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked upon here at our nascent Family Medicine Residency Program at OSF St. Joseph in Bloomington! It's hard to believe that just a few short years ago, we were a fledgling startup, navigating the complexities of building a program from the ground up amid the ever-evolving landscape of medical education (and not to mention accreditation!). Today, as Program Director, I'm thrilled to share that we've not only survived all those early hurdles but are thriving in ways that exceed even our most optimistic expectations.
This past year marked a pivotal achievement: We've finally secured a full complement of residents. No more partial classes or makeshift rotations. The floors and clinics are now buzzing with a complete cohort of bright, engaged young physicians who bring fresh energy and innovative perspectives to every aspect of our work. These residents aren't just filling seats; they're igniting discussions in our didactics, diving deep into community health initiatives and wellness in our FQHC at Chestnut, and challenging us all to think bigger about patient-centered care. Their passion for family medicine is infectious, and watching them grow from eager interns to confident clinicians has been another great experience in my teaching career.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our delightful faculty and staff, who form the backbone of our program. Our faculty members — seasoned experts in everything from medical health to lifestyle medicine — bring a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to mentorship. They're not just educators; they're role models who foster an environment of collaboration and continuous learning. And let's not forget our incredible staff, whose dedication ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From coordinating complex schedules to supporting our residents' well-being, their enthusiasm and professionalism make our program feel like a true family.
As a startup we have set high bars for ourselves from the outset, aiming to deliver top-tier training while addressing the unique needs of our community in Bloomington/Normal. I'm proud to report that we're surpassing those goals. Our outcomes speak volumes: consistently improving ITE scores, innovative research projects presented at conferences, and glowing feedback from both residents and patients alike. These successes aren't accidents — they're the result of a shared vision and relentless teamwork.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the future couldn't be brighter. With our full resident team in place, we're poised to expand our impact. Imagine deeper community outreach programs that tackle health disparities head-on, collaborative research that advances family medicine practices, and future alumni who go on to lead in their own right. We'll continue to innovate, perhaps incorporating AI-driven diagnostics or enhanced wellness curricula to prepare our residents for the medicine of tomorrow. Our program isn't just training doctors; we're cultivating leaders who will shape the healthcare landscape for generations and will graduate our inaugural class!
To our residents, faculty, staff, and supporters: Thank you for making this possible. As we step into 2026, let's carry this momentum forward with optimism and resolve. Here's to a year of growth, discovery, and even greater achievements.
Wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year!
About the Author
Todd Kettering, MD, is the Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency – Bloomington and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Medicine.