Sept. 3, 2024, Vero Beach, Fla. – The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Indian River County Hospital District, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, have reached an agreement that will bring a SWAGƵeducational facility to Indian River County.
The educational facility will be located on the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital campus in an existing building on land owned by the Indian River County Hospital District. Third and fourth-year medical students from SWAGƵwill receive training at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
The three-way collaboration has been in the works. Currently, some third- and fourth-year medical students already receive medical education as they observe clinical interactions and are mentored by Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital physicians.
“Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital currently serves as the primary core teaching hospital for SWAGƵmedical students on the Treasure Coast,” said Rick Rothman, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. “We are excited about this collaboration between partners who are passionate about improving access to healthcare for the residents of Indian River County.”
SWAGƵenrolls between 50 and 60 students from Florida each year at their Carolinas and Auburn University campuses. Medical students often seek residency positions where they complete their clinical education. The location of residency significantly impacts where physicians, particularly in primary care specialties, will practice in the future.
“We are thrilled to partner with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital to bring SWAGƵto Vero Beach,” said Frank Isele, FACHE, Executive Director of the Indian River County Hospital District. “This strategic initiative will not only support the growth of medical education in our area but will also strengthen the local healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting the entire community.”
The Indian River County Hospital District has a pivotal role in bringing both medical services and medical education to the community. As part of this agreement, it would begin leasing space to SWAGƵin an existing building. The hospital district currently leases the space in which Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital provides services.
“Our partnership with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and SWAGƵreflects our shared vision of transforming healthcare access in our community,” said Marybeth Cunningham, Chairman of the Indian River County Hospital District. “By bringing an educational facility from a renowned medical school to Vero Beach, we are investing in the future of our healthcare system and ensuring that our community has access to top-tier medical care for generations to come.” The presence of medical students from SWAGƵin the area is expected to help advance medical education not only for physicians, but other medical professionals including nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists – and add opportunities for more medical conferences and research.
“The partnership between Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, the hospital district and SWAGƵbrings a new wave of physicians to Indian River County and enhances medical education opportunities for existing healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Rothman.
SWAGƵis ranked in the top 15 medical schools in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report for graduates practicing in primary care. Currently 416 SWAGƵalumni are practicing in the state of Florida.
“We have built a good relationship with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and their mentorship gives students exposure to the community, advanced medical education and opportunities to explore the cutting-edge technology and research that already exists at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital,” said Matthew Cannon, DO, FACOFP, Campus Dean, Carolinas Campus and Senior Dean for all four SWAGƵcampuses.
For more information contact:Cindy Shepard Rawlins, Vice President for Communications
About Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida market, is a 322-bed hospital in Vero Beach and offers comprehensive medical services to the Treasure Coast community. One of Cleveland Clinic’s five hospitals in Florida, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is dedicated to achieving excellent outcomes. Guided by a Patients First philosophy, healthcare professionals represent specialties including orthopaedics, heart and vascular medicine, neurosurgery, stroke, gastroenterology, bariatrics and labor and delivery. With locations across Indian River County that include outpatient facilities, urgent care centers and a diagnostic center, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida market is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information, visit . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About Indian River County Hospital District
The Indian River County Hospital District is an independent special taxing district established by a Special Act of the 1959 Florida Legislature. The authority within the Special Act allows the District to assist with a broad range of healthcare programs and services within Indian River County. The District works to secure funding to guarantee that vital healthcare services, spanning primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health, health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based programs are accessible to all residents of Indian River County.