As the need for new doctors grows nationally, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s teaching hospital, Lakeside Medical Center, recently graduated five new physicians.
The hospital’s 10th class of family medicine residents completed three years of intense training during the pandemic in the underserved, rural Glades communities that were considered a hotspot for COVID-19.
“I applaud these graduates for their dedication to our hospital’s patients and the health of Glades’ residents during an unprecedented time in medicine,” said Darcy J. Davis, CEO of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “Their quality care and commitment have helped improve the health of the Glades region.”
Dr. Benjamin Kosubevsky, Dr. Thy Hoang Bui, Dr. Janaki Saoji Juma, Dr. Jesse Carl Grieb and Dr. William Carson Draper completed rotations in emergency medicine, critical care, women’s health, psychiatry, general surgery, inpatient, outpatient and community medicine, sports medicine, cardiology, geriatrics and pediatrics. One of the program’s goals is to cultivate physicians to practice locally. To that end, Bui will join the Health Care District as a primary care provider with the C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics. Grieb, who along with Draper served as chief residents, will also practice in Palm Beach County.
“I remember the first COVID-19 patient we treated at Lakeside, and the wave of COVID-19 as the patients came and went,” Grieb recalled. “I remember getting my first COVID-19 vaccine, and I was the second in line. We made 15 masks for all of the residents to protect us when we didn’t know what the situation was going to be like, researching how to wear and fit them. It was intense for sure. To me, that was the most impressive part, that we all came together and got through it. In terms of preparedness, I feel ready and more in command of my medical knowledge, understanding and clinical reasoning.”
Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. Over the course of their residency training, the physicians provide access to a range of quality services for their patients, many of whom have complex medical conditions and limited resources.
“Years from now as you recall your experience here at Lakeside, it will be clear that COVID-19 left an indelible mark on you,” keynote speaker Dr. Bryan Dawkins said. “Each of you deserve enormous credit and respect for your extraordinary adaptability, resilience and dedication to patient care.”
The Family Medicine Residency Program has a total of 15 residents and is funded by a grant from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The program’s academic and community partners include Nova Southeastern University and the Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County.
