Cornerstone Care Teaching Health Center Program

Overview

The Cornerstone Care Teaching Health Center (CCTHC) Family Medicine Residency is an ACGME-accredited program, designed to prepare residents for high-quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. It is one of the approximately 60 Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Programs funded by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), reflecting its commitment to community-focused medical education.

Affiliated with Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, WV, the program provides extensive training opportunities that equip residents with the skills needed to excel in family medicine.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the CCTHC Family Medicine Residency blends inpatient and outpatient experiences, enabling residents to develop confidence in a variety of medical settings.

Inpatient Rotations

Most inpatient and specialty rotations occur at Mon Health Medical Center, a well-equipped 164-bed facility known for its advanced technology and outstanding physician staff. These rotations are pivotal, as they allow residents to sharpen their hospital-based medicine skills.

Outpatient Rotations

Residents also gain essential outpatient experience at Cornerstone Care clinics and affiliated physician offices, where they provide comprehensive medical care to underserved patient populations. This aspect of training is critical for developing competencies in rural medicine.

Additional Rotations

First-year residents complete rotations at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, WV for inpatient pediatrics, and at Washington Health System - Greene in Waynesburg, PA throughout their training to enhance their inpatient medicine experience.

Tracks and Specialization

The CCTHC program offers specialized tracks, including a Sports Medicine track that spans two years. This longitudinal experience is tailored for residents interested in pursuing sports medicine fellowships.

Osteopathic Recognition

The residency has received Osteopathic Recognition through the ACGME, ensuring that osteopathic principles are integrated into the program. This is particularly beneficial for residents looking to maintain an osteopathic focus in their practice.

Behavioral Medicine Experience

A unique aspect of the CCTHC Family Medicine Residency is the longitudinal behavioral medicine experience. This component allows residents to follow patients in a behavioral medicine clinic, promoting continuity of care and fostering deep practitioner-patient relationships.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research, providing residents with opportunities to engage in projects, particularly in areas such as women’s health, psychiatry, and general family medicine. This research involvement helps to enhance clinical practice and supports the academic development of residents.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The CCTHC Family Medicine Residency is recognized for being highly competitive, welcoming both MD and DO applicants. The program maintains a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment.

Special application requirements may include the year of graduation and a limit on the number of failed STEP exams.

Visa Support

The program offers support for visa applications, which is essential for international medical graduates. CCTHC can sponsor J-1 or H-1B visas, catering to the needs of foreign applicants who meet the program criteria.

Compensation and Benefits

Residents in the CCTHC program receive a competitive compensation package along with benefits that support their overall well-being.

Commitment to Education

Cornerstone Care and Mon Health Medical Center share a strong commitment to resident education and improving access to medical care in the regions they serve. This dedication is evident in the structure and offerings of the residency program.