Abrazo Health Network Program

The Abrazo Family Medicine Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience designed to prepare residents for the diverse challenges of family medicine. This program emphasizes patient-centered care and full-spectrum training, ensuring residents acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to serve various populations effectively.

Curriculum Overview

The program spans three years and focuses on building a wide-ranging knowledge base in medical care. Residents engage in extensive hands-on experience, covering essential areas such as outpatient care, inpatient care, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, and psychosocial training. Training in six ACGME competencies includes skills such as practice management and leadership, community-oriented practice, and evidence-based medicine, all essential for a successful family medicine career 1.

Clinical Rotations and Unique Aspects

Residents participate in various clinical rotations, including external rotations at tertiary care hospitals like Phoenix Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s/Dignity Healthcare Hospital. This exposure ensures residents develop strong procedural skills and gain valuable experience in settings such as emergency medicine and geriatrics 2.

Research Opportunities

The program offers multiple research opportunities through affiliations with the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Midwestern University. Participation in ongoing clinical research, poster presentations, and national conferences is encouraged, fostering a culture of academic inquiry and innovation 3.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in the Abrazo Family Medicine Residency Program receive a competitive salary structure, which increases annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package. First-year residents earn approximately $56,171, while chief residents receive about $65,202. Benefits include health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and allowances for educational expenses, including textbooks and conference attendance 4.

Application Process

Interested applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents as the program does not sponsor visas. The application is conducted through ERAS, and candidates should have completed the USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 by February 1st. Furthermore, applicants should have no more than one failed exam score and ideally should have graduated from medical school within the past year 5.

Program Competitiveness

The Abrazo Family Medicine Residency Program is considered competitive, with mechanisms in place to attract high-caliber candidates. While the program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs, it prioritizes establishing a strong fit with the program's mission and values 6.

Training Sites

Training primarily occurs at the Abrazo Central Campus, which also serves as the hub for family medicine rotations. Additional training is integrated across various campuses, including specialized training in settings such as trauma centers and pediatric hospitals 7.

Special Programs and Tracks

Residents may pursue specialty tracks in Hospitalist Medicine, Maternal Child Health, and Sports Medicine, among others. The program offers ample elective time during the second and third years, allowing for further specialization based on individual interests 8.

Support for Wellness and Development

The program emphasizes resident wellness with structured support systems in place. This support includes a wellness curriculum and opportunities for Balint groups and behavioral medicine training, all aimed at fostering a healthy work-life balance and personal development among residents 9.