Residents Auxiliary creates community to retain medical families

Talent retention is essential for any community’s growth, and the Residents Auxiliary is doing its part to help medical residents fall in love with Central Pennsylvania. The organization brings together doctors and their families through social events, support groups, clubs, and shared resources, supporting them through residency and the transition into life as an attending physician.

“Danville has a huge population of medical professionals, specifically residents and fellows who have completed medical school but are doing their residency,” says Alex Cooper, President of the Residents Auxiliary. “Some people only stay for their three or eight-year contract, but others choose to remain in the area afterward.”

Cooper’s husband completed his fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center, and their family decided to stay in Danville because they love living here. Now Cooper spends her free time creating a culture that makes others want to stay here as well. 

Medical Residents Don’t Pick Where They Are Trained

Many medical professionals arrive in Danville on assignment, not because they actively chose to come here. They often have few connections in the area and a limited understanding of life in Central Pennsylvania. Cooper says this can be incredibly difficult, especially for spouses who don’t have peers to work alongside in the hospital.

“I frequently meet people who tell me how lonely they are,” she says. “We want to let people know they have a community they can join and friends they can make in the area.”

The Residents Auxiliary is a 501(c)3 non-profit that is entirely volunteer-driven. The group organizes small meet-ups each month based on community interest (like a bike and walk group and a cooking group) and large events that attract more than 100 people at a time.

The Residents Auxiliary is also parent-friendly. Many meetups are at parks or libraries where people can bring their kids. They recently started offering babysitting services at some events so more parents can attend.

Cooper emphasizes that most people start their medical residency in their 20s and 30s, the years when they are also most likely to get married and have kids. People need resources as they navigate parenthood for the first time, and they need friends to share their hopes and worries as they hit various life milestones. In short, they need a community, which is what the Residents Auxiliary provides. 

Retaining Medical Professionals is Good for Central Pennsylvania

Everyone in Central Pennsylvania benefits from the Residents Auxiliary's efforts, even if they have never heard of this organization. When medical residents enjoy living in Danville and the surrounding areas, they are more likely to stay here after their contract is finished, allowing people to receive better medical care.

• Urban areas have an average of 263 medical specialists per 100,000 people. This drops to 30 specialists in rural communities. When more medical specialists stay in Danville, residents don’t have to travel to receive medical care. 
• When the doctor is a few miles away instead of multiple hours away, people are less likely to miss work because of appointments. This also benefits caretakers. People over 65 average 17 contact days with medical professionals annually, often needing to be accompanied by spouses or adult children. 
• When medical care is closer, people are more likely to attend preventative screenings or seek treatment when symptoms first appear. For example, the survival rate of stage one breast cancer is greater than 99%. Early intervention gives loved ones more time with their families while helping them lead healthier lives.

A region’s economy is directly tied to its healthcare facilities. Keeping doctors in Danville will support the health outcomes and finances of the local population for generations to come. 

The Residents Auxiliary Makes the Region More Diverse

There are also secondary economic benefits occurring because of the Residents Auxiliary. The community formed through this organization allows the spouses of medical residents to network and share ideas, bringing fresh perspectives to the area.

“A community is better when it is diverse,” says Cooper. “This means we have people from all over the world bringing their ideas and resources to one place.”

The spouses of medical residents can bring fresh skills to the workforce (making hiring easier for local companies) and potentially become entrepreneurs as they open businesses around Danville. They can be job creators who shape the local economy and bring new amenities to the region.

The Residents Auxiliary also incorporates volunteer work into its activities, further investing in Central Pennsylvania. Participants give time to food banks and other charitable organizations. Members also help each other with meal trains for growing families and card showers for those who have experienced loss or who are celebrating big life changes like weddings.

Quality of life is an often-overlooked part of economic development, but when people love where they live, they will invest in their communities and do their best to make them grow. 

More People Are Actively Choosing Central Pennsylvania

The Residents Auxiliary does a great job of showcasing why Central Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to live. However, more people beyond the medical field are starting to discover this beautiful part of the United States. Explore our downtown areas and feel the neighborly connections that come with them. Learn about our communities and why they are thriving.

You and your business have a place in Central Pennsylvania. Choose to live here and join a community working toward growth.