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Providence Acquisition: COM Medical Students, Residents and Fellows FAQ

The University of South Alabama Health Care Authority has entered into an agreement with St. Louis-based Ascension to acquire Providence Hospital and its clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we buying Providence Health System?

Acquiring Providence Health System will allow USA Health to enhance our capabilities across our tripartite mission of education, research and clinical care.

With the development of the West Mobile campus and the acquisition of Providence Health System, the Whiddon College of Medicine will become more of a central hub for educational and research opportunities.

The acquisition will allow USA Health and Providence Health System together to

  • build upon the reputation for providing healthcare, education and research that transforms medicine in the upper Gulf Coast region.
  • continue to recruit the very best healthcare students, providers and employees to the area, where they will contribute in many ways to their communities.
  • create jobs and opportunities for more people across a wide spectrum to bolster Mobile and the surrounding region.
  • increase educational and research opportunities throughout the entire spectrum of UME, GME, nursing and allied health for the entire university.
     

When will the acquisition be finalized?

USA Health is working on a timeline to close the transaction in the fall of 2023. Until that time, Providence Health System will still be under the direction of Ascension.

How will my resources be affected?

We do not anticipate any changes to the resources and commitments to our existing medical school, hospitals and providers. In fact, this will give us the opportunities to enhance our mission and facilities through the growth of the clinical, educational and research endeavors.

What will change for me, as a student/resident?

The acquisition enables expansion of undergraduate and graduate medical education opportunities.

How will this change my relationships with my current attending physicians?

We don’t anticipate any changes to your current relationships. By expanding our network of attending physicians, you’ll expand your opportunities to learn.

Will hospital services be relocated?

We have agreed upon the terms and signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with both USA and Ascension board approval. As we wait for the necessary regulatory approvals, we have engaged Guidehouse consulting firm to aid us in the strategic planning. Michelle Moratti who previously worked at Chartis consulting and led our previous strategic plan will be the lead on the engagement. She has a deep understanding of USA Health, Providence Health System and our regional market.

FAQs for your community

We know that different communities have their own questions, so we've divided our FAQ into the following sections:
 

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