Cone Health Program

The Cone Health Family Medicine Residency Program emphasizes full-spectrum training to equip graduates for a variety of career paths in family medicine. The program is situated in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is associated with Moses Cone Hospital, integrated within the Cone Health System. This residency enjoys an affiliation with the University of North Carolina (UNC), where faculty members hold academic appointments, providing a blend of academic and community-focused training environments.

The residency program's distinct feature is the **Family Medicine Center**, which serves as the primary outpatient practice site for the residents. This center is located near Moses Cone Memorial Hospital and includes 18 examination rooms and various facilities designed for teaching and patient care. Here, residents deliver continuity care to a diverse patient cohort, including medically underserved populations, refugees, and members of the LGBTQ community 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes fundamental skills while allowing flexibility for residents to pursue individual interests and specializations. The program is structured to graduate residents who are comfortable practicing in a wide variety of clinical environments. Year one focuses more on inpatient rotations, with a transition to outpatient settings in later years. The rotation schedule is designed to give first-year residents exposure to acute care, inpatient services, and family medicine outpatient clinics, along with specialty rotations in behavioral medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Second and third-year residents expand their experiences with community medicine, elective rotations, emergency department training, and subspecialty services like sports medicine and geriatrics 1.

Areas of Concentration

To further enhance training, the program offers **Areas of Concentration (AOC)** that residents can choose to pursue alongside their standard curriculum. These AOCs allow residents to specialize in aspects of family medicine such as obstetrics, sports medicine, and refugee health. Importantly, these are optional and designed to complement the general residency experience without extending the residency duration 1.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The residency values a diverse educational environment that reflects the makeup of its patient population. The program implements training on cultural competency, addressing healthcare disparities, and emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding various backgrounds among patients. This training is complemented by direct exposure to a patient base with varied ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses 1.

Residency Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Cone Health Family Medicine Residency Program is noted for being **DO and IMG friendly**, increasing its accessibility for diverse medical graduates. While the program attracts a competitive pool of applicants, there are no specified maximum failed STEP exams required for application. Additionally, a commitment to community service and a passion for providing care to underserved populations are highly valued qualities in prospective candidates 1.

Visa Support

The residency program supports visa applications for international medical graduates (IMGs), specifically offering sponsorship for J-1 visas. This reflects the program’s commitment to attracting a diverse resident cohort with varied backgrounds and experiences 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research initiatives, allowing them to contribute to evidence-based practice in family medicine. Opportunities include participation in community health initiatives and health service research. Faculty members often guide these projects, fostering an environment of academic inquiry and practical applications of research findings 1.

Extracurricular Activities

A vibrant community spirit is fostered within the residency through numerous extracurricular activities. Residents participate in social events, service projects, and wellness initiatives, all aimed at balancing the rigors of residency training with personal development and community engagement. Traditions such as seasonal retreats and regular informal gatherings foster camaraderie among residents and faculty 1.

Post-Residency Training Opportunities

The program prepares its graduates effectively for fellowship opportunities in various subspecialties such as sports medicine, obstetrics, and palliative care, demonstrating the comprehensive training provided throughout the residency 1.