Affinia Healthcare has earned initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for the establishment of the Family Medicine residency program.  

This marks the first crucial step in establishing the program to foster a learning environment for future professionals. “We know the process was thorough but we are excited to have met the standards so we can continue serving the community and those interested in providing care for others,” said Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare VP and Chief Medical Officer.  

The process was conducted by ACGME’s Institutional Review Committee to ensure compliance was met. 

“This is the beginning of our vision for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals and has a positive impact on the future of community based medical education,” said Laura Williams, Affinia Healthcare Family Medicine Residency Project Director. 

The Family Medicine Residency team hosted its first Community Advisory meeting earlier this month. Residents and stakeholders from the business, religious, education, and nonprofit communities attended and provided their feedback on how the health center can best serve the North County community. 

Affinia Healthcare was awarded a grant in 2023 for this program which will focus on developing a diverse and equitable training opportunity for future primary care physicians to serve the community. Affinia Healthcare will partner with A.T. Still University, Christian Hospital and SSMHealth DePaul Hospital on the residency program. 

Affinia Healthcare is the sponsoring institution for this program which is scheduled to begin July 2026. The initial accreditation will allow the health center to create the structure of the residency program. Recruiting of candidates will begin once Affinia Healthcare receives full accreditation.  

CAPTION: Dr. Kenneth Hemba (far right), director of the Family Medicine Residency, leads a discussion at a recent Community Advisory meeting at the Affinia Healthcare location in Ferguson. Seated is Rev. Deon McKenzie, senior pastor, Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ferguson.