Adventist Health White Memorial Program

Located in the Boyle Heights community of East Los Angeles, the Adventist Health White Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program is deeply committed to serving its community. The program's mission is directed towards training physicians who aspire to work in vulnerable communities, a vision initiated by six Latino physicians passionate about health equity. From the outset of the training, residents engage with the community, allowing them to bring health and advocacy directly to those in need. The program embodies the spirit of compassion and humility with the goal of addressing the healthcare disparities prevalent in East Los Angeles, a state-designated medically underserved area 1.

### Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum at Adventist Health White Memorial is designed to fulfill the requirements for board certification and meet the needs of the diverse patient population. Residents are equipped with the necessary skills for both inpatient and outpatient care. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through comprehensive rotations that include critical care, pediatrics, obstetrics, and various outpatient clinics 2. Additional unique opportunities include rotations in behavioral health, geriatrics, and managed care, preparing residents for a wide array of practice settings.

### Rotations

During the residency, first-year residents (PGY-1) engage in foundational rotations, including 16 weeks of Family Medicine Service, with other rotations covering critical care, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics. PGY-2 residents continue with a more specialized focus, including rotations in adolescent medicine, geriatrics, and several electives. By the PGY-3 year, residents pick from diverse elective opportunities while also managing their chief responsibilities 2. This structured yet flexible approach allows residents to tailor their learning experiences.

### Research and Scholarly Activity

The program encourages residents to participate in research activities and present their findings at academic forums. Access to advanced medical technology, such as the Lyman A. Brewer III MD Simulation Center, allows residents to hone their procedural skills in a controlled and risk-free environment. This emphasis on academic rigor is complemented by the substantial success of the program's graduates in securing fellowship positions 1.

### Leadership Development

The residency integrates a longitudinal curriculum in Health Systems Science, aimed at cultivating leadership skills relevant to healthcare policy and community engagement. As residents navigate the shifting landscape of healthcare reform, this training prepares them to assume significant roles in improving health services within community settings 1.

### Well-Being Support

Recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being in training, the program adheres to the ACGME guidelines regarding duty hours and provides ample opportunities for residents to engage in wellness activities. Resources for counseling, wellness retreats, and fitness facilities contribute to the holistic development of residents, ensuring they remain grounded and effective in providing care 1.

### Visa Support

The Adventist Health White Memorial Program offers visa sponsorship, accommodating international medical graduates who require a J-1 or H-1B visa to pursue residency training in the United States. This support facilitates a welcoming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the program's cultural competency and comprehensive approach to family medicine.

### Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive, particularly among U.S. candidates. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) candidates are welcomed, contributing to a diverse training cohort. Applicants are typically required to be within specified graduation dates from medical school, and those with a limited number of failed USMLE steps or equivalent exams may be subject to additional scrutiny during the selection process 1.

### Impact of Graduates

Over its history, the residency program has trained more than 175 physicians, with a significant percentage continuing to practice in health professional shortage areas. About 90% of graduates remain in California, impacting the health landscape of the state through their work in community clinics and health centers 1.