The Boa Vida Family Medicine Residency Program is a distinguished family medicine residency located in Aberdeen, Mississippi, affiliated with Monroe Regional Hospital. This residency offers modern training designed to equip residents with the skills required to deliver quality healthcare in a rural context. Residents gain hands-on experience in a continuity clinic, where they develop lasting relationships with patients while receiving comprehensive training in various specialty rotations throughout the three-year program.1
Program Mission
The mission of the Boa Vida Family Medicine Residency is to train the next generation of family physicians to provide compassionate and quality care while ensuring effective resource use. The program aims to increase healthcare access for underserved rural populations and to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst residents and staff.1
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is distinctively focused on continuity of care and population health management, emphasizing the importance of value-based care. Residents have a dedicated patient panel through the entirety of their training, enabling them to apply knowledge from HEDIS measures to optimize health outcomes while managing medical loss.4 The program involves rotations in areas such as Practice Management and Population Health, preparing residents to become future leaders in the management of quality and risk in healthcare.1
Rural Training and Exposure
Situated in the underserved communities of rural Mississippi, residents have the opportunity to work closely with skilled specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics at King's Daughters Medical Center. This exposure ensures that residents gain insights into the wide-ranging scope of primary care and healthcare systems, thereby enriching their educational experience.1
Participating Training Sites
The residency program utilizes various training sites, including:
- Monroe Regional Hospital, Aberdeen, MS
- OCH Regional Medical Center, Starkville, MS
- King's Daughters Medical Center, Brookhaven, MS
- Aberdeen Lifecare Center, Aberdeen, MS
- Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus, MS
Unique Features of the Program
One unique aspect of the Boa Vida Family Medicine Residency is its strong emphasis on value-based care, health disparity interventions, and community involvement. Residents engage in population health initiatives designed to promote health equity.2
Benefits and Compensation
Residents in the program receive competitive salaries, starting at $65,000 for the first year, $67,000 for the second year, and $70,000 for the third year. Additional benefits include:
- 15 paid vacation days annually and eight personal days off (with prior approval).
- A $2,000 relocation allowance and $1,500 annually for educational purposes.
- Provision of MKSAP19 and laundry services for white lab coats.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage, which includes health, dental, life, disability, vision, and liability insurance.
Application Requirements
The program seeks applicants who align with its core values and exhibit a commitment to serving rural communities. It is advisable for applicants to be aware of specific requirements, such as being recent graduates and having no more than a designated number of failed STEP exams. The program encourages a diverse pool of candidates, including DOs and IMGs, fostering an inclusive environment.2
Visa Support
The Boa Vida Family Medicine Residency Program supports international medical graduates with visa needs. The program can provide sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to its goal of attracting diverse candidates who bring unique perspectives to the practice of family medicine.1
Competitiveness
While the program is competitive, it maintains an openness to DO and IMG applicants, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for those who aim to build a successful career in rural family medicine.2
Website
Director
Jerry T McKnight, MDProgram director Appointed Since July 2023 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$65,000First Year Paid Vacation:
25 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
215Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1YOG Cutoff:
4Location
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Aberdeen, MS
Aberdeen, Mississippi, offers a unique environment for residents, especially those in medical residency programs. Below are key aspects of life in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Aberdeen has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages, making it a generally safe place to live. However, like any small town, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and practice common safety measures.
- Fun Activities: While Aberdeen is a small town, it offers various activities such as local festivals, parks, and historical sites. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, or visiting nearby lakes. The town has a close-knit community atmosphere that often hosts events and gatherings.
- Climate: Aberdeen experiences a humid subtropical climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures can reach the mid-90s°F (around 35°C), while winter temperatures typically fall in the 30s°F (around 0°C). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with spring and summer being the wettest seasons.
- Race and Population: The population of Aberdeen is diverse, with a significant representation of different races and ethnicities. The community is small, with a population of approximately 5,500 residents, fostering a sense of familiarity and neighborliness.
- Education: Aberdeen is served by the Aberdeen School District, which includes elementary, middle, and high schools. For higher education, residents may need to travel to nearby cities, where larger colleges and universities are located.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Aberdeen is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Housing costs are particularly reasonable, which can be beneficial for residents on a stipend or budget.
- Bigger Cities Nearby: The nearest larger city is Tupelo, located approximately 30 miles away (about a 40-minute drive). Tupelo offers more extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as cultural attractions such as museums and performance venues. Another nearby city is Columbus, which is about 38 miles away (roughly a 45-minute drive) and features similar amenities.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Low cost of living
- Safe community environment
- Access to outdoor activities
- Close-knit community
- Cons:
- Limited access to higher education and specialized healthcare facilities
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities
- Potential for isolation due to the small-town setting