Allegheny Health Network Medical Education Consortium (FH) Program

The Allegheny Health Network Medical Education Consortium (FH) Family Medicine Residency Program at Forbes Hospital offers a robust training environment for future family physicians. Established as an unopposed residency in 1978, it uniquely provides comprehensive clinical experience in all aspects of family medicine in a single location, including obstetrics, pediatrics, and inpatient pediatrics.

Key Highlights of the Program Include:

• Dual Accreditation: Forbes Family Medicine became dually accredited in 2009 and achieved osteopathic recognition in 2018, supporting a diverse range of educational backgrounds.
• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The program emphasizes not only clinical expertise but also leadership development, community outreach, and comprehensive care in areas including sports medicine, LGBTQ care, correctional health, and integrated medication for opioid use disorder.
• Innovative Education: Residents are equipped with personal laptops and access to an integrated electronic health record (EPIC) for seamless inpatient and outpatient encounters. The curriculum includes special tracks in women’s health and sports medicine and electives allowing for personalized education tailored to residents' interests.

Application Requirements:

• Applications are accepted exclusively through ERAS with a deadline of December 31.
• The program recruits eight positions annually, aiming for equal numbers of MD and DO residents. Minimum USMLE scores of 210 on Step 1 or Step 2 with no more than two attempts, or at least 500 on COMLEX 1 or 2 for osteopathic applicants, are required.
• Applicants must have graduated from medical school no more than 3 years ago. International graduates need hands-on US experience with references, and ECFMG certification must be through ERAS by January 31.
• The residency program can sponsor J1 visas, although all expenses are the applicant's responsibility. Observerships or externships are not available due to the program's size.

Program Structure:

• The call schedule averages 3 times per month for first-year residents, twice for second-year, and once monthly for third-year, with no weekday call thanks to a dedicated night float system.
• The curriculum is structured around 3-week rotation blocks, ensuring comprehensive exposure across a broad spectrum of family medicine including specialties and sub-specialties tailored towards addressing community health needs.

Training Sites:

• The Forbes Family Medicine Center, recently renovated, is a modern facility including 15 exam rooms and serves as the primary outpatient training site.
• Forbes Hospital, the only training hospital in Pittsburgh's eastern suburbs, offers a community hospital atmosphere with comprehensive services including obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry among others.

Community Engagement and Leadership:

The program embeds community medicine into all rotations, encouraging residents to engage with local agencies and schools, and to participate in community service projects alongside faculty.

Overall, the Allegheny Health Network Medical Education Consortium (FH) Family Medicine Residency Program at Forbes Hospital offers an in-depth, holistic training approach designed to prepare residents for the multifaceted demands of family medicine, equipped with the skills and experience necessary to serve diverse communities effectively.