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Dr. Molly Biehl ” srcset=”https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/437df64/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1686×944+0+0/resize/1280×717!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2Fb44735f34321990c7c69a23e56f0%2Fscreenshot-2025-08-07-at-4-55-02-pm.png 1x,https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bd677b1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1686×944+0+0/resize/2560×1434!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2Fb44735f34321990c7c69a23e56f0%2Fscreenshot-2025-08-07-at-4-55-02-pm.png 2x” width=”1280″ height=”717″/>
Mack Carmack, MTN News
BILLINGS, MT – Montana is facing a critical shortage of medical professionals, prompting innovative solutions like the expansion of residency programs. A new initiative at Billings Clinic, spearheaded by Dr. Molly Biehl, aims to address this gap by increasing the number of physicians choosing to practice in the state, particularly in rural communities.
The physician deficit isn’t a new phenomenon, but recent data indicates a worsening trend. According to the montana Medical Association, the state currently ranks near the bottom nationally in physicians per capita.This scarcity impacts access to care, leading to longer wait times for appointments and, in certain specific cases, limited specialized services available within Montana.
Dr. Biehl, the Designated Institutional Official for Billings Clinic’s Graduate Medical Education, explained that residency programs are vital for retaining doctors in the areas where they train. “Physicians are much more likely to establish practices in communities where they’ve completed their residency,” she stated. Billings Clinic currently hosts residency programs in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry, with plans to expand into other specialties.
Andrew Flick, Billings Clinic’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the financial commitment required to support these programs. He noted that each residency position costs approximately $200,000 annually, covering salaries, benefits, and educational resources. Despite the expense, Flick believes the investment is crucial for Montana’s healthcare future.
The shortage extends beyond physicians, impacting dental care as well. Programs like the one at Billings Clinic