One of the biggest challenges facing our region isn’t attracting new businesses. It’s ensuring families have access to the healthcare providers they need.
In the latest episode of the We Are Business Podcast, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Susan Spears sits down with Dr. Christopher Newman, President & CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, and Dr. Troy Paino, President of the University of Mary Washington, to discuss an ambitious partnership that is changing the future of healthcare in our region.
Their message is simple: Instead of competing with other communities for physicians, we’re growing our own.
A Regional Solution to a Regional Challenge- For years, communities across the country have competed for a limited supply of physicians and healthcare professionals. Rather than relying solely on recruitment, Mary Washington Healthcare and the University of Mary Washington are investing in a long-term solution by creating a local pipeline of healthcare talent. This partnership is more than building a medical education program. It’s about creating opportunities for students to learn, train, work, and ultimately build their careers right here in the Fredericksburg region.
Why It Matters- The need has never been greater.
- Mary Washington Healthcare plans to train more than 200 physicians through residency programs.
- The Fredericksburg region ranks in the 2nd percentile nationally for physicians per capita.
- Our population has grown more than 400% since 1970, increasing demand for healthcare services.
- The goal is to welcome the first medical students by Fall 2029.
- UMW’s inaugural Master’s in Nursing cohort is already full and has a waiting list.
These numbers tell an important story: our community is growing faster than our healthcare workforce. Addressing that gap requires collaboration across education, healthcare, business, and government.
More Than Healthcare- Throughout the conversation, Dr. Newman and Dr. Paino emphasize that this partnership reaches far beyond medicine.
A thriving healthcare ecosystem supports:
- Workforce development
- Economic growth
- Innovation and research
- Technology advancement
- Arts and culture
- Quality of life
- Business attraction and retention
When a community invests in education and healthcare together, it becomes a stronger place to live, work, and do business.
Building a Stronger Regional Economy- Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in our region, and developing local talent benefits everyone.
Students gain access to high-quality educational pathways close to home.
Healthcare providers build a sustainable workforce.
Businesses benefit from a healthier community and stronger talent pipeline.
Residents receive greater access to care.
This is regional collaboration in action, organizations coming together around a shared vision to solve complex challenges that no single institution can address alone.
Listen to the Full Conversation
The Chamber’s We Are Business Podcast highlights the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping the future of our region.
In this episode, you’ll hear directly from Dr. Christopher Newman and Dr. Troy Paino about their shared vision for expanding healthcare access, strengthening workforce development, and investing in the next generation of medical professionals.
🎙️ Listen now:
https://www.fredericksburgchamber.org/we-are-business-podcast/