AltaMed Health Services Program

Overview of the AltaMed Family Medicine Residency Program

The AltaMed Family Medicine Residency Program is positioned within the context of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and aims to address the growing demand for primary care physicians. The program emphasizes healthcare for diverse patient populations and is dedicated to combating healthcare disparities

Program Highlights

The program has several key features that make it unique:

• It is based in an FQHC with a robust history of over 50 years in serving ethnically diverse communities.
• Partnerships with hospitals that have a strong tradition of excellence in medical education.
• A high-functioning outpatient clinic system that fosters patient care and population-level health initiatives.
• A curriculum designed to cultivate both academic and professional leaders in Family Medicine.
• Ample elective opportunities allowing residents to focus on specialized interests.
• Mentorship from a diverse cohort of physicians known for their contributions to medical education.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes rotations that focus on outpatient care and community medicine, ensuring residents gain a comprehensive understanding of family and community health. Each graduate training year includes:

• PGY-1: Family and Community Medicine (FCM) Discovery including youth outreach, medical outreach, and various other rotations.
• PGY-2: Emphasis on vulnerable populations, advocacy, and practice management along with electives in areas such as Sports Medicine and Emergency Medicine.
• PGY-3: Includes rotations in Behavioral Health, Public Health, and further exposure to practice management, with a selection of electives available as well.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to participate in the AltaMed Institute for Health Equity, which addresses the root causes of health disparities. The institute engages in grant-funded research and community initiatives aimed at understanding and overcoming systemic barriers to care.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries and benefits:

• Salary:$66,959 for PGY-1, $69,170 for PGY-2, and $71,890 for PGY-3.
• Additional benefits: Educational stipends, a housing stipend ($10,000), medical insurance, dental insurance, and a retirement plan.
• Opportunities for travel scholarships and relocation assistance.

Application Requirements

The application process is carefully structured and follows ERAS guidelines. Key requirements include:

• A completed ERAS application
• Three letters of recommendation, one from a family physician and two from other relevant rotations
• A Dean's letter and a medical school transcript
• Proof of USMLE or COMLEX exam results
• Personal statement and a CV.

Visa Support

It should be noted that the program does not sponsor visas. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship should explore other options.

Candidate Competitiveness

The program is described as friendly towards applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO students and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, additional requirements might apply to IMGs, necessitating U.S.-based clinical experience and letters of recommendation from American faculty.

Interview Process

The interview process provides candidates an opportunity to engage with faculty, current residents, and other staff within the program. Interviews are conducted both virtually and in-person at the South Gate clinic.

Conclusion

The AltaMed Family Medicine Residency Program represents an opportunity for future physicians to engage in a curriculum deeply rooted in community service and health equity. With competitive compensations, a comprehensive training program, and a commitment to diversity, this residency program is designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare.