TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH - A longstanding medical residency program in the Valley is now on pause, marking another ripple effect of the recent closure of Insight Health hospitals in Trumbull County. 

The Western Reserve Health Education program, which has trained physicians locally since 1903, was forced to relocate all of its student doctors after its affiliated hospital ceased operations.

“We’re sad to see them [resident students] go,” said Dr. Kim Howe, president of the program.

She said 68 medical residents were moved to hospitals across the country so they could complete their clinical training.

“They’re moving as far north as Michigan, as far south as South Carolina, as far east as New York City and as far west as Des Moines, Iowa,” Howe said, "They were welcomed with open arms."

Despite the sudden transition, she said all students were successfully placed, and 28 graduated on time without disruption.

Recent internal data from the program shows that more than 61 percent of pediatricians practicing in the Valley are graduates of Western Reserve Health Education.

Howe emphasized that the program is not shutting down but is temporarily pausing operations while discussions continue about future affiliations.

While she wouldn't comment further, she said that “discussions are ongoing” and that the plan is to have students enrolled by July 2026, with commitments made before that time.

She said their mission remains to keep future doctors who learn locally, in the Valley. 

“Once they graduate, we like them to stay in this area," she said, "to care for the community that we serve."