Duke University Hospital Rural Program

The Duke Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at Duke University Hospital offers a unique training experience that combines immersive clinical medicine training with connections to the rural community. The program aims to prepare residents for a fulfilling career in rural family medicine by providing a rich learning environment and a commitment to health equity.

Residents in this program spend the first year at Duke Health, followed by two years at a rural health center and community hospital. Continuity ambulatory clinics start at the rural Duke Primary Care Oxford clinic, allowing residents to develop a patient panel over the three years of training. The curriculum includes diverse training sites such as Duke Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Maria Parham Health, and Durham VA Hospital.

The program emphasizes a collegial and diverse learning environment that focuses on fostering strong clinical skills and relationships with colleagues, mentors, and patients. Residents have the opportunity to "spread their wings" as physicians, performing procedures and managing medical diagnoses that might be referred to specialists in urban settings. The program aims to train family medicine providers to address the unique needs of rural populations and provide care to diverse communities.

Male applicants who are US citizens or immigrants are required to have registered with the Selective Service System. The program also involves rotations at federal facilities, so all trainees must be eligible to work at those locations.

Overall, the Duke Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at Duke University Hospital offers a comprehensive training experience that prepares residents for a rewarding career in rural family medicine.