Hannibal Regional receives accreditation for new internal medicine residency program

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Regional recently announced it has received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for a new internal medicine residency program set to launch in July 2026. This milestone marks the expansion of access to high-quality healthcare and the training of the next generation of physicians in northeast Missouri.

Hannibal Regional received a $750,000 grant in 2024 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to support the planning and development of the training program. This initiative is designed to address the growing need for primary care physicians, particularly in rural communities, by training doctors in a community-focused setting.

The new internal medicine residency program in 2026 will welcome a class of four residents per year, with 12 residents participating once the program reaches full capacity. An internal medicine residency is a three-year postgraduate training program for doctors who have completed medical school. These resident physicians receive specialized training in diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide range of adult illnesses. Internal medicine doctors — also known as internists — are experts in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, as well as providing comprehensive preventive care.

The addition of an internal medicine residency program at Hannibal Regional Healthcare System means residents will work alongside experienced physicians, providing increased availability of healthcare services. Many doctors choose to practice in the communities where they complete their training, which can help address the physician shortage in rural Missouri. Additionally, residency programs encourage ongoing medical education, innovation, and implementation of the latest medical advancements.

In a press release, Todd Ahrens, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional, said, “We are so excited to announce this important milestone in the creation of our rural residency program. Being an independent healthcare system for almost 125 years, we are always looking for ways to provide the care our community needs locally.

“With this internal medicine residency program, we will be able to provide an opportunity to people who grew up in Hannibal the chance to continue their medical education here. Our program won’t be tied to any specific university or medical school, so medical school graduates from all across the country will be able to apply for admission.” 

Hannibal Regional Healthcare System’s internal medicine residency program is designed to prepare physicians for the challenges and rewards of practicing in rural areas. Residents will gain experience in both hospital and outpatient settings, working closely with mentors who understand the specific healthcare needs of rural populations. This training provides a strong foundation in primary care, chronic disease management and preventive medicine while also developing skills in other specialty areas.

Hannibal Regional will begin recruiting its first class of residents in October 2025. It is committed to building a program that educates exceptional physicians and strengthens the health of the community.

For more information about the internal medicine residency program, email IMResidency@HannibalRegional.org.