“We are pleased to be expanding our network of excellent teaching affiliates—a great example of partnerships benefiting everyone and training more physicians for the commonwealth,” said Chancellor Michael F. Collins. “Southcoast Health is the largest provider of primary and secondary care on the South Coast of Massachusetts, making this partnership a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience a fully integrated health system.”

Medical students began a family medicine rotation in June and rotations in internal medicine will begin in August. When the affiliation is fully developed, Southcoast Health is expected to regularly have 15 to 20 UMass Chan medical students participating in core clerkships.

“We are proud to partner with UMass Chan Medical School, an institution ranked in the top 10 nationally for primary care education,” said Ray Kruger, MD, president and CEO of Southcoast Health. “UMass Chan joins Brown University in our teaching collaboration efforts and we are grateful for the opportunity to lead the next generation of physicians. In welcoming them to a not-for-profit community hospital system, we are delighted to share our commitment to providing comprehensive high-quality care to the communities we serve.”

Southcoast Health has three acute-care hospitals and practices in Fall River, New Bedford, Wareham and parts of Rhode Island. It joins UMass Chan’s other major teaching affiliates, among which are UMass Memorial Medical Center, University campus and Memorial campuses; Baystate Health, regional campus; and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.

“As a proud graduate of UMass Chan, I am looking forward to our ongoing collaboration,” said Jay Lawrence, MD’10, chief transformation and innovation officer and physician in chief for primary care and urgent care at Southcoast Health. “Supporting the development of the physician workforce is important, particularly in primary care where the nation is challenged by a shortage. I’m thrilled that our physicians are embracing the opportunity to share their knowledge and passion for caring for our community with the next generation of physicians.”