Adventist Health White Memorial Program

Located in the Boyle Heights community of East Los Angeles, Adventist Health White Memorial's Family Medicine Residency Program emphasizes community engagement and service to vulnerable populations. The primary mission is to train compassionate and skilled physicians who prioritize preventive care and patient-centered practices. Founded by six Latino physicians, the program reflects a commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the region, particularly in medically underserved areas.

Program Features

Curriculum Overview

The Family Medicine Residency offers a robust and tailored curriculum designed to prepare residents for a successful career in family medicine. It satisfies the requirements for the American Board of Family Medicine certification and meets ACGME standards. The curriculum emphasizes a balance between inpatient and outpatient experiences, enabling residents to develop essential skills across a spectrum of care.

The curriculum also includes unique enrichment opportunities in key areas such as behavioral health, community medicine, geriatrics, and preventive care. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for diverse paths in family medicine, whether in clinic settings, emergency medicine, or specialized fellowships. Residents can expect to participate in a range of community-focused activities, including health fairs and outreach programs, to directly serve their community from the outset of their training 1.

Rotational Structure

During the three-year residency, residents experience a variety of crucial rotations:

• PGY-1: Rotations include Critical Care, Family Medicine Service, Obstetrics, Newborn Nursery, Pediatrics, and others, offering a balanced exposure to both hospital and outpatient settings.
• PGY-2: Residents engage in rotations such as Adolescent Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Geriatrics, and Emergency Medicine, further enhancing their medical expertise.
• PGY-3: The final year includes Chief Resident roles and multiple electives, allowing tailored experiences to meet individual career goals.

All residents are required to attend one to two half-day clinics per week in the Family Health Center and are assigned weekend on-call duties for comprehensive practical experience 2.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities that not only advance their medical knowledge but also contribute to the community. The program offers access to latest medical technologies and resources, including the Lyman A. Brewer III MD Simulation Center, where residents can practice skills in a controlled environment 1.

Faculty and Mentorship

The Family Medicine Residency Program boasts a dedicated faculty of experienced educators and practicing physicians who prioritize teaching and mentorship. Faculty members engage closely with residents, providing guidance through clinical rotations and individual learning plans. Their diverse backgrounds enhance learning by offering various perspectives in medical practice, policy, and community health engagement 3.

Graduate Outcomes

With a track record of success, 78% of graduates work in medically underserved areas, with 90% practicing in California. This reflects the program's mission to produce physicians who will serve disadvantaged communities effectively. All graduates have successfully passed the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam, demonstrating the effectiveness and rigor of the training provided 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, welcoming applicants from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Special application requirements include recent graduation years and academic performance, though specific stipulations regarding failed examinations may be in place.

Visa Support

The Family Medicine Residency offers visa support for eligible international applicants, sponsoring specific visa types essential for residency training. This is an important consideration for international medical graduates seeking to join the program 1.

Support and Well-Being

The program fosters a Culture of Well-Being, recognizing that academic success must be balanced with personal health. It adheres to ACGME guidelines on duty hours and provides resources such as counseling services, wellness retreats, and fitness resources. This holistic approach helps ensure that residents can maintain their well-being throughout their training 1.