PARTNERSHIPS:
OPTIMUS PRIMARY
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.
Impact Update: 2025–2026
Ivy Tech Community College
Healthcare Pathways to Pipeline
Ivy Tech is launching new dual-credit and dual-enrollment pathways for high school students in Central Service Technician (Sterile Processing) and Pharmacy Technician—two roles identified by regional healthcare partners as high-need. By aligning coursework with industry credentials and securing clinical rotations through IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and affiliates, the program will create a practical, affordable on-ramp to healthcare careers while building the local workforce pipeline.
Indiana University School of Medicine – Muncie
Enhancing Physician Training & Improving Community Health
IU School of Medicine–Muncie continues to strengthen physician training through expanded mentorship, community engagement, and enhanced clinical learning experiences. These efforts deepen student connections to understanding local health needs while reinforcing Muncie’s role as a leader in developing and retaining future physicians.
Ball State University
Healthy Lifestyle Center & IUSM-M Student Housing Support
Ball State University is expanding interprofessional training opportunities through community-based health programming and continued support for housing and learning spaces for IU School of Medicine–Muncie students. Together, these efforts enhance hands-on learning, increase access to care, and support long-term provider retention in Delaware County.
Meridian Health Services
Physician & Provider Speaker Series
Meridian Health Services is continuing a regional provider education series focused on integrated, trauma-informed, and whole-person care. The series supports professional development, cross-agency collaboration, and expanded provider capacity—advancing Optimus Primary goals related to quality of care.
IU Health Foundation
Pathways to Healthcare: Expanding Student Access & Exploration
IU Health is expanding healthcare career exploration events that introduce East Central Indiana high school students to a wide range of clinical roles through immersive, hands-on experiences at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Building on strong student participation, the initiative promotes early exposure to healthcare careers and reduces barriers to internships and job shadowing—helping students move from interest to meaningful workforce pathways.
Open Door Health Services
Medical Assistant Program Partnership
Open Door Health Services is expanding an eight-month Medical Assistant training pathway that combines classroom learning, hands-on clinical experience, and structured mentorship. This effort supports workforce entry and retention while building primary care capacity for a key provider serving local children, families, and seniors.
Taylor University
Tools for Tomorrow’s Nurses
Taylor University is enhancing hands-on training resources for students enrolled in its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. By expanding access to clinical lab kits and demonstration models, the program builds student preparedness and contributes to nursing workforce development in a county and region with significant health needs.
Ball State University
Empathy in Action
Ball State University is piloting an interactive training tool designed to help nursing and future healthcare practitioners to strengthen communication with autistic patients. This program contributes to Optimus Primary efforts by enhancing provider skills and supporting more effective, patient-centered care.
Delaware County Health Department
Health First Delaware County Pipeline Partnerships
The Delaware County Health Department is strengthening Health First Delaware County efforts by expanding partnerships and creating pathways into public health careers. Proposed apprenticeship opportunities will offer students early exposure to public health roles, complementing Optimus Primary workforce strategies beyond traditional clinical settings.
Optimus Primary News
When many students think of a career in healthcare, they think of becoming a nurse or doctor. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County’s new EMT/Basic Emergency Medical Studies Certificate program will introduce students to another critical role in the healthcare field—emergency medical technician. The demand for EMTs is growing in East Central Indiana, and Ivy Tech’s program, which launches Fall 2025, will help address this critical need while opening doors for students in Muncie to explore a rewarding profession.