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OPTIMUS PRIMARY

 
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Strengthening the Pipeline of Medical Professionals

Muncie has something no other city in Indiana has: an array of healthcare anchor institutions located in close proximity to one another, making it one of the leading physician training centers in the state. In 2016, these organizations formed a strategic, collaborative partnership, called Optimus Primary, to boost local physician training programs and retention—efforts that are especially critical today as the United States as a whole faces a physician shortage and, concurrently, as Delaware County ranks 85th out of 92 Indiana counties in health outcomes, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

It is with these factors in mind that our community—through Optimus Primary—has undertaken these bold initiatives focused on recruitment, innovative training experiences, emphases on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, and overall excellence in the provision of medical education. As of 2024, Ball Brothers Foundation has committed nearly $3 million to Optimus Primary programs.

Take a look at some of the initiatives our community has accomplished through Optimus Primary.

Ivy Tech Community College (Muncie) is launching a new Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program to address growing healthcare workforce shortages. The program will provide practical training following national and state guidelines, offering students both immediate entry into healthcare careers and a steppingstone for further educational opportunities. In partnership with local career centers, this initiative strengthens healthcare pathways and workforce development, directly aligning with the goals of the Optimus Primary initiative to expand training and career options. 


Open Door Health Services is launching an innovative eight-month Medical Assistant training program in partnership with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). This initiative combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, equipping aspiring Medical Assistants for critical roles in primary care. Experienced mentors will guide students, providing practical training and professional development. Funding will help compensate these instructors for their time, ensuring the program’s success and sustainability. This partnership is a strategic investment in enhancing the healthcare workforce in East Central Indiana, building a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet local community needs.


As Taylor University prepares to launch a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing in January 2025, BBF support is helping provide equipment. Funding focuses on maternal and child health, providing students with hands-on training through tools including infant simulators and birthing beds. These resources will enhance students’ clinical skills and prepare them for critical roles in community healthcare, including the vital need to better support infant/maternal health in rural communities.


Ball State University’s School of Nursing is enhancing healthcare access in four rural counties—Fayette, Delaware, Madison, and Blackford—identified as having some of Indiana’s lowest health outcomes. With funding from BBF, the project will place Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students in these underserved areas, providing essential care to communities lacking primary care providers. Through partnerships with local healthcare organizations, FNP students will gain hands-on experience performing key clinical procedures. This initiative aims to strengthen the local healthcare workforce and foster a commitment among students to serve in rural settings, ultimately improving health outcomes and bridging educational opportunities with critical healthcare needs.


Open Door Health Services has opened a new Skills Lab at their Madison Street site in Muncie to enhance clinical training for various healthcare roles. This dedicated space facilitates instruction in essential skills such as vital signs, injections, CPR, and phlebotomy. The Skills Lab supports new hire onboarding and ongoing education for current staff, building on Open Door’s preceptor program that trains experienced team members to mentor newcomers. By improving training opportunities, the Skills Lab contributes to developing a qualified healthcare workforce, ensuring quality healthcare delivery in the region.

The Nursing Apprenticeship Program in Henry County, in partnership with Henry Community Health and Ivy Tech Community College, aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals. This innovative program combines targeted education, hands-on training, and mentorship to equip apprentices with essential clinical skills while emphasizing communication and patient-centered care. Funding supports a blend of on-site instruction and hybrid courses, ensuring real-world relevance and facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce. By streamlining the nursing pipeline, this initiative is helping enhance employee education, reduce turnover, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural Indiana.


Meridian Health Services has developed a psychiatry internship program for primary care physicians and mid-level providers, enabling them to work directly with a psychiatrist and gain hands-on experience in integrating psychiatric principles into their practice. This initiative addresses the increasing mental health crisis by equipping local providers with the skills to identify and support patients with mental health needs. By offering practical training, this program aims to enhance the capacity of primary care providers to effectively address the mental health challenges faced by their patients.


The Indiana University School of Medicine-Muncie (IUSM-M) is enhancing physician training and community health through expanded mentorship and advising for Bachelor of Medicine Doctor (BMD) students. The BMD program provides provisional admission into the IU School of Medicine-Muncie for qualified beginning freshmen who earn a bachelor’s degree in one of Ball State’s 120 undergraduate programs. BMD students are supplied with a foundation for medical education through special curriculum, academic advising, mentoring, MCAT preparation, and clinical or research experience. The program fosters professional development and community engagement, while an expanding Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) summer internship will provides current IU School of Medicine students with hands-on experience in addressing local health needs. 

Additionally, a field trauma course in conjunction with the Midwest Threat Assessment Center (MTAC), will strengthen collaboration skills of IU School of Medicine students, focusing on team building and responding to stressful situations.


IU Health Foundation is organizing recruitment events aimed at encouraging nursing and medical students to pursue long-term careers in Muncie and surrounding communities. Held at key local venues, these events will showcase career development pathways and introduce attendees to Muncie’s professional and lifestyle amenities. Participants will connect with local physicians, community leaders, and resources to better understand the benefits of living and working in the region. By fostering these connections, the project seeks to address the region’s need for dedicated healthcare professionals.

Optimus Primary News