AccessHealth Program

The AccessHealth Family Medicine Residency Program is a three-year, unopposed program located in Beckley, West Virginia, with an annual intake of four new residents. Established in 2011, the program is recognized for its commitment to training in community-based settings as one of the original Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) sites. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this residency offers a unique opportunity for training in rural and underserved areas, which has shown to influence graduates to continue working in similar communities after completion of their residency. This aspect is particularly beneficial for those interested in outpatient family medicine while complying with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates.1

The core hospital rotations of the residency take place at the Raleigh General Hospital, a Joint Commission accredited facility boasting 300 beds. The program has transitioned from initial accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to achieving Continuous ACGME Accreditation status, underscoring its commitment to excellence and quality in teaching family medicine.1

Curriculum and Training Sites

The curriculum is structured to cover various essential components of family medicine. Residents engage in a series of core rotations including Community Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Family Medicine (both inpatient and outpatient), Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, General Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. Electives are also offered to provide additional flexibility.1

The residency will also integrate Continuity Clinics throughout the three years, allowing residents to follow patients over time. The detailed education schedule includes regular Morning Reports, didactics on Thursday afternoons, and various monthly learning sessions such as Lunchtime Lectures, Journal Club, Tumor Board, and Morbidity & Mortality meetings, enhancing the residents learning experience.1

Research Opportunities

While the core focus is on practical patient care, AccessHealth fosters a culture of inquiry and learning among residents. The opportunity for participation in research projects is available, particularly related to community health, rural medicine, and evidence-based practice. Residents are encouraged to engage with ongoing research initiatives, promoting scholarly activity.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The AccessHealth Family Medicine Residency Program is known to be competitive yet friendly towards applicants from various backgrounds, including DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). The eligibility criteria entail the following:

• Graduates from accredited US osteopathic medical colleges or medical schools in the US and Canada recognized by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
• International graduates must either hold a valid ECFMG Certificate or possess a full, unrestricted medical license in the United States.
• All applications must be submitted via ERAS, and the program utilizes the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for candidate selection.1

Additional requirements include a Dean’s Letter and three letters of reference, emphasizing the importance of a strong personal statement and demonstrated interest in serving rural and underserved populations.1

Visa Sponsorship

The program is capable of providing visa sponsorship to qualified international applicants, typically offering support for J-1 or H-1B visa types, which is a crucial aspect for many international graduates seeking a residency in the United States.1

Compensation and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive salary structured on a tiered system according to their year of residency, starting at $45,000 for PGY-1, increasing to $50,000 for PGY-2, and $55,000 for PGY-3. Additional financial support includes a sign-on bonus, annual retention bonuses, and housing allowances to help with living expenses.1

Vacation and educational leave policies vary by year, with PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents entitled to 15 days of paid time off, while PGY-3 residents receive 20 days of paid time off. Various comprehensive benefits are also provided, including health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan, and a professional liability insurance for residents, as well as provisions for continuing medical education (CME) expenses.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

AccessHealth prides itself on a strong commitment to community service and patient-centered care. With multiple health centers serving southern West Virginia, residents are immersed in a variety of clinical settings, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges.1

Living in Beckley, WV

Beckley offers a vibrant atmosphere for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with the nearby New River Gorge being designated as one of the newest national parks. It is known for world-class fishing, rafting, hiking, and winter sports like skiing. This makes it a suitable location for residents seeking a balance between professional work and personal enjoyment in a picturesque environment.1