CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Citrus Memorial Hospital broke ground Wednesday on a $1.8 million Graduate Medical Education Center.

The 15,857-square-foot center will feature classrooms, an education auditorium, offices, work space and study hall.

Additionally, the GME Center will provide sleep rooms and a common living area for the hospital's interns and residents. It is expected to be complete this August.

"We began our Graduate Medical Education program last year in hope that medical residents complete their training at Citrus Memorial Hospital and decide to stay in Citrus County to practice," said CEO Ralph Aleman.

"We remain committed to this effort in investing in a world-class teaching hospital that will attract bright physicians who will care for our community for generations to come."

Citrus Memorial Hospital currently has 15 internal medicine residents and will welcome an additional 21 this summer.