Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum designed to equip residents with the skills necessary to serve a culturally diverse population. This program aligns with ACGME and American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) guidelines, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for practice in underserved communities.

The program adopts a Patient-Centered Medical Home model, focusing not only on patients' physical health but also addressing their mental health and socio-economic challenges. This holistic approach fosters sensitivity and awareness in residents, which is critical for providing effective community health services 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum consists of a structured 13-block calendar spanning three years:

PGY1

- Half day per week in Continuity Clinic (longitudinal)

- 3 blocks of Inpatient Family Medicine

- 1 block each of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Outpatient, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, OB/GYN inpatient, Dermatology, Community Medicine, Neurology Inpatient, Surgery, and Urology.

PGY2

- Weekly Continuity Clinic (1 day)

- 3 blocks of Inpatient Family Medicine

- 1 block each of Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Outpatient, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, OB/GYN inpatient, Women’s Care, Pediatric Inpatient, Dermatology, Community Medicine, Neurology, Surgery, and Urology.

- 3 blocks of electives.

PGY3

- Weekly Continuity Clinic (2 days)

- 3 blocks of Inpatient Family Medicine and Electives.

- 1 block of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Transition to Practice, Pediatric Outpatient, Sports Medicine, Ambulatory Medicine, and Walk-in Services, alongside Community Medicine.

In addition to clinical rotations, residents engage in interdisciplinary lectures that cover Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and patient safety, which are integral to their education 2.

Research and Didactics

Residents are encouraged to participate in research and quality improvement projects. They benefit from structured weekly didactic sessions that include topical lectures, guest lectures, and board review preparations. Additional opportunities exist for skills development through procedure clinics, such as joint injections and OB/GYN procedures 1.

Training Facilities

The program operates primarily out of Jackson South Medical Center and Jackson North Medical Center, with additional training experiences provided at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and various community affiliates. Partnerships with other medical specialties enhance residents' exposure and learning across different healthcare settings 2.

Application Process and Competitiveness

New Resident Recruitment occurs annually, and applicants are required to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Residency positions are competitive, and candidates are ranked through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Specific application requirements include graduated from medical school within a certain period; however, detailed information regarding failed STEP exams or specific requirements may not be listed 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports various visa types for international medical graduates, including H-1B and J-1 visa sponsorship, which is crucial for attracting a diverse applicant pool 1.

Unique Aspects

The CHI Family Medicine Residency emphasizes community engagement and service. Residents participate in outreach programs, including care for migrant workers and the homeless, thus embodying the program's commitment to underserved populations 2.

Community Impact

Training at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) increases residents' likelihood of practicing in similar settings post-graduation, ultimately benefiting the communities in which they serve. This focus ensures a dedicated workforce for regions with critical health care deficits 1.