Clinica Sierra Vista - Bakersfield Program

The Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program (RBFMRP) is a three-year postgraduate training program that offers six residency positions each year. The program is conducted at Clinica Sierra Vista, a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Kern County, California. RBFMRP has established an academic affiliation with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) since 2014. The primary objective of the program is to prepare and retain Family Medicine physicians who are dedicated to serving underserved populations in California's central San Joaquin Valley.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The RBFMRP provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster the development of competent and compassionate family physicians. Throughout the three years, residents will engage in a variety of rotations across different medical disciplines, ensuring they gain the necessary skills to practice Family Medicine effectively. Core rotations typically include internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, and outpatient family medicine.

Training Environment

Additional training takes place in various settings, including outpatient community clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals. The program emphasizes a community-oriented primary care approach, where residents will participate in the care of patients across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This training aligns with the program's commitment to address the health disparities prevalent in the region.

Research and Community Involvement

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities that focus on issues relevant to family medicine and community health. The program faculty support residents in developing their research ideas, guiding them through the process to ensure that their findings can contribute to evidence-based practices in the field. In addition, the program values community involvement, with residents participating in outreach programs aimed at improving health literacy and access to healthcare services for underserved populations.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the RBFMRP is its integration with various community services such as behavioral health, dental care, pediatrics, and more, all provided at the East Niles Community Health Center. This integrated approach allows residents to experience firsthand how to provide holistic care to their patients.1

Training Sites

Residents will spend a significant portion of their training at Clinica Sierra Vista's East Niles Community Health Center, which is known for its focus on serving low-income and medically underserved populations. This training site fosters a supportive environment to nurture the clinical skills and knowledge of residents, preparing them for future practice in diverse settings.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The RBFMRP is considered to be friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and carries no specific restrictions that would unfavorably impact DO or IMG applicants. The program offers support for J-1 visa sponsorship, which is commonly necessary for international residents.1

Application Requirements

Applicants to the RBFMRP must be graduates of medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Those who graduated from international medical schools must possess a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. Furthermore, applicants should have already completed both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or the COMLEX, with scores that meet the program’s criteria for satisfaction. Notably, candidates should have graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to the start of the residency program.1

Benefits and Support

The RBFMRP offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, ensuring residents can focus on their training without undue financial stress. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement options, vacation time, and sick leave.1