Residency Advisor

The Desert Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program is dedicated to training physicians capable of providing high-quality, personalized care, particularly to the diverse and medically underserved populations of the Coachella Valley in California. This community-based program is reinforced by a mission to enhance health and wellness through the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Program Overview

Located in the picturesque resort city of Palm Springs, the program emphasizes compassionate care while maintaining a focus on community service and social responsibility. The faculty of the program bring a wealth of experience and dedication, which enriches the curriculum designed to foster both clinical skills and leadership abilities among residents.

Training Facilities

The residency program is anchored by the New Family Medicine Center, a state-of-the-art facility exceeding 13,000 square feet, featuring 20 exam rooms, a triage room, a family counseling room, as well as procedures rooms and a smart classroom. This facility not only serves to provide patient care but also acts as a pivotal educational platform for training and research.

Curriculum Structure

The Family Medicine Residency Program spans three years, with a comprehensive curriculum that includes diverse rotations designed to ensure well-rounded training:

PGY-1 Rotations

  • Inpatient Medicine — 2 months
  • Night Float — 2 months
  • Cardiology — 1 month
  • Family Medicine Essentials — 2 weeks
  • Family Medicine Center — 1 month
  • Obstetrics — 1 month
  • Pediatric/Newborn Medicine — 1 month
  • General Surgery — 1 month
  • Sports Medicine — 1 month
  • Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) — 2 weeks
  • Nephrology — 1 month
  • Podiatry — 2 weeks

PGY-2 Rotations

  • Inpatient Medicine — 2 months
  • Night Float — 2 months
  • Emergency Room — 1 month
  • Geriatrics — 1 month
  • Infectious Disease — 1 month
  • Obstetrics — 1 month
  • Pediatric Outpatient — 1 month
  • Behavioral Science — 1 month
  • Dermatology — 2 weeks
  • Family Medicine Center — 1 month
  • Elective — 1 month

PGY-3 Rotations

  • Inpatient Medicine — 2 months
  • Pediatric Emergency Room — 1 month
  • Family Medicine Center — 1 month
  • Gynecology — 1 month
  • Musculoskeletal — 1 month
  • Pediatric Outpatient — 1 month
  • Electives — 5 months

Noon Lectures and Workshops

Weekly family medicine conferences are scheduled every Tuesday afternoon, covering a wide range of topics including medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. The last Thursday of each month features dedicated time for resident development workshops, offering hands-on learning experiences such as suturing, joint injections, and more.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The Desert Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Prospective residents must meet several criteria:

  • Pass the USMLE Step 1 with a maximum of one failure, and no failures in Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK).
  • Graduated from medical school within the last five years.
  • Possess U.S. citizenship or permanent residency; the program does not sponsor H1 or J1 visas.
  • Three letters of recommendation, one from a family medicine physician.
  • A minimum recommended USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score of greater than 210 is advisable to remain competitive.

For international medical graduates, it is essential to have valid work permits before being offered positions, including ECFMG certification and related documentation.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents receive competitive benefits and compensation packages, aligning with industry standards. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere within the program enables residents to develop their professional skills while forming vital relationships with faculty and fellow residents.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Director

Sam Lin, MDProgram Director Appointed Since October 2024 -

Program

Program Size

12, 12, 12 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since May 2020

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

50hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

12hrs

First Year Salary:

$71,760

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

6 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

13%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

0.6X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

210

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

3

Match History

2131120C0

2024

12 of 12

2023

10 of 12

2022

10 of 10

2021

10 of 10

2020

10 of 10

Location

Palm Springs, CA

Population
44,575
Income
$71,979
Education
45.1%
Employment
46.6%
Health
4.7%
Age
57

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is a picturesque city located in Southern California known for its desert climate and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some key points about living in Palm Springs:

  • Climate: Palm Springs has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
  • Safety: Palm Springs generally has a low crime rate compared to other cities in California, making it a relatively safe place to live.
  • Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and exploring the nearby Joshua Tree National Park. The city also hosts festivals, art events, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Population: Palm Springs has a diverse population, with a mix of residents from different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Education: The city has good schools and is home to the College of the Desert, offering higher education opportunities.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Palm Springs is relatively high compared to national averages, mainly due to housing costs. However, other expenses like transportation and groceries are reasonable.
  • Nearby Cities: Palm Springs is located about 1.5 to 2 hours away from major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego by car. Both cities offer a wide range of cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Pros: Stunning desert landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, relatively low crime rate, diverse population.

Cons: High cost of living, hot summers.

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