By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers each recently received national recognition for residency programs, according to a news release.

The Leapfrog Group, which the release describes as a national health care watchdog organization, recognized both facilities for serving as "exceptional teaching hospitals."

The two Dignity Health East Valley medical centers were the only two hospitals in Arizona to make the list, the release states.

The Dignity Health East Valley GME program first launched in 2023, and offers medical residency programs in several specialities, such as emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery and is still growing. The first class of obstetrics and gynecology residents is set to start in July. 

More than 50 medical residents can now participate in clinical rotations at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert, train at other Dignity Health facilities across the Valley and receive hands-on experience in rural and tribal communities. 

Dignity Health East Valley is hosting an event called "Match Day" on March 21. That's where resident candidates learn of the our graduate medical education, or GME program, in which they have been paired. This class of residents will officially start their GME journey in July.

The Leapfrog Group Top Hospital designation is awarded to top-performing facilities that are committed to preventing medication errors, higher quality maternity care and lower infection rates, among other criteria, the release states. The award is given to hospitals in four categories: teaching, general, rural and children’s hospitals that meet the group’s survey methods.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. 

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.