Boston University Medical Center Program

Specialty:Family medicine/Psychiatry
ACGME Code:7202400001
NRMP Code:1257720C0
Status:Initial Accreditation

Overview

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Boston University Medical Center Program provides a comprehensive and integrative training environment for aspiring physicians in the fields of Family Medicine and Psychiatry. This ACGME-accredited program is meticulously designed to produce dual-trained physicians who are adept in both specialties1. The program follows guidelines from the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, ensuring a well-rounded approach to medical education1. Residents are encouraged to tailor their learning experiences to accommodate their individual interests within these fields, fostering both personal and professional growth throughout the residency1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency spans five years and is structured to maximize learning and skill development across both specialties. Each postgraduate year (PGY) offers distinct training opportunities:

  • PGY1: Residents undergo 32 weeks of Family Medicine and 20 weeks of Psychiatry. Rotations include Community Medicine, Inpatient Family Medicine, Inpatient Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Neurology, Inpatient Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry3.

  • PGY2: The second year emphasizes emergent primary care, psychiatry, and integrated behavioral health. Residents gain experience in Inpatient Family Medicine, Outpatient Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Gynecology, Inpatient Surgery, Emergency Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Integrated Behavioral Health3.

  • PGY3: This year focuses on fostering competencies in Family Medicine (12 weeks) and allows for extensive exposure to Outpatient Psychiatry (40 weeks)3.

  • PGY4: Residents strengthen their skills in both outpatient and inpatient care. Rotations include Emergency Pediatrics, Newborn Nursery, Obstetrics, Electives, Consult Liaison Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Outpatient Psychiatry, and Integrated Behavioral Health-Pediatrics3.

  • PGY5: The final year emphasizes integration and further specialization with electives. Rotations include Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Ophthalmology/ENT, Gynecology, Child Psychiatry, Behavioral Neurology, and additional electives according to resident preferences3.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents benefit from diverse training environments provided by several key facilities in and around Boston. Rotations are conducted at the following sites:3

  • VA Boston at Causeway
  • Bedford VA
  • Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center
  • Bournewood Hospital
  • Boston Medical Center
  • South End Community Health Center
  • VA West Roxbury

These sites offer a wide range of patient populations and clinical challenges, contributing to a well-rounded and experiential learning environment3.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Prospective applicants apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and must participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The application must include three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a psychiatrist and one from a medical professional. Additional required components include a Medical School Transcript, Personal Statement, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) letter, and USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX Part I and Part II scores2. Applications from International Medical Graduates are accepted through ECFMG.

Visa Support

Boston Medical Center sponsors the J-1 Visa exclusively. International applicants must ensure compliance with visa requirements as part of their application process2.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency program, allowing residents to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to advancements in medicine. The emphasis on research provides residents with the skills necessary to critically appraise scientific literature and apply evidence-based practices in their professional careers.

Unique Program Features

The program is uniquely positioned to offer integrated training in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, providing a holistic approach to patient care across multiple specialties. The strong emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient experiences ensures residents are well-prepared to address a diverse array of medical and psychiatric conditions1. Additionally, the program encourages personalized education tailored to residents' interests1.

Fellowship Opportunities

Following residency, numerous fellowship opportunities are available within the Psychiatry Department. These include Addiction Psychiatry, Community Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and the BUMC-MGH Global Psychiatric Clinical Research Training Program, which provides international training opportunities4.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program recognizes the importance of resident well-being and offers comprehensive support systems designed to promote mental health and resilience. This emphasis on wellness ensures trainees can maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing professional excellence in their medical careers.

Web sources

SmartPick

Program data

ACGME History [3]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation2
Full accreditation0
Continued0
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

2, 2, 2, 2, 2 (5 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Initial Accreditation

(Effective: July 1, 2025)

Composition [2]

MD · 90%
U.S. IMG · 10%

Training

Fellowship Rate:17% [2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:5.2X [1]

Residents Career Path [2]

Full-time Practice · 17%
Academic · 17%
Fellowship · 17%
Other · 50%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 15 days [1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]

First Year Salary: $81,222 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:J1 [2]

YOG Cutoff:5 [1]

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Incoming Schools

10%

University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

10%

University of Illinois College of Medicine

10%

Meharry Medical College

10%

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Match & stats

2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights

No data available for USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

No 2026 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.

Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.

USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]

No data available for USMLE STEP 2 CK Score

No data available for USMLE
STEP 2 CK Score

COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]

No data available for COMLEX Level 2 Score

No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score

Match History [4]

Track ID:  1257720C0
2020
2 of 2
2021
2 of 2
2022
2 of 2
2023
2 of 2
2024
2 of 2
2025
2 of 2
2026
2 of 2
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Roster

Location

Boston, MA [5]

Population
675,647
Median income
$96,931Above
Education
55.8%Above
Employment
68.2%Below
Health
2.8%Above
Age
33On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [6]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [7]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Boston, MA

Crime Rate and Safety

Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.

Fun Activities

Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.

Climate

Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.

Races and Population

Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.

Education

Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.

Cost of Living

Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.

Proximity to Bigger Cities

Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.

Pros

  • Rich history
  • cultural diversity
  • top educational institutions
  • vibrant arts scene.

Cons

  • High cost of living
  • higher crime rate in certain areas.

FAQ

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References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/7202400001

2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/752bdae1-b9ad-71a4-9774-dbe4c8a73da9

3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2507000

6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr