Eastern Connecticut Health Network Program

The Eastern Connecticut Health Network Family Medicine Residency Program is dedicated to training outstanding family physicians through a comprehensive and innovative curriculum focused on evidence-based care. The program aims to nurture capable and conscientious physicians who are prepared to serve their communities, especially underserved populations across New England. Residents are immersed in a patient-centered medical home environment, fostering leadership skills and a commitment to community health.

Throughout the residency program, extensive learning opportunities are provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This robust training is designed to prepare graduates to manage the full spectrum of family medicine upon completion of the program. In addition to clinical training, residents are encouraged to engage in research, take on leadership roles, and participate in various committees within the organization, thus furthering their growth as medical professionals 1.

Program Highlights

The residency prides itself on the collaborative environment fostered among residents, staff, and faculty. The skilled and dedicated residents contribute to a rich learning culture by sharing experiences and learning alongside colleagues from various specialties. This mutual respect and teamwork enhance the overall educational experience.

Located at Manchester Memorial Hospital, the program benefits from a facility recognized for its commitment to excellence in both patient care and medical education. The hospital serves as a teaching hospital that reflects the importance of family medicine within the healthcare delivery system of Manchester. The city itself is a vibrant and culturally rich environment, located conveniently near larger urban centers like Hartford, Boston, and New York City, providing residents with diverse recreational opportunities 1.

Curriculum Structure

Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1)

The first year consists of 13 blocks, each lasting 4 weeks, where residents experience a variety of rotations, including:

• Colon & Rectal Surgery: 1 block
• Elective: 1 block
• Emergency Medicine: 1 block
• Family Medicine Outpatient: 1.5 blocks
• Gynecology: 0.5 block
• ICU: 1 block
• Inpatient Medicine: 2 blocks
• NICU: 1 block
• Night Float: 1 block
• Obstetrics: 1 block
• Pediatrics: 1 block (longitudinal rotation over two years)
• Psychiatry: 1 block

PGY1 residents also spend half a day per week in Family Medicine and Pediatric Continuity Clinics.

Postgraduate Year 2 (PGY2)

The second year also encompasses 13 blocks, featuring rotations in:

• Community Medicine: 1 block
• Electives: 2 blocks
• Emergency Medicine: 1 block
• Family Medicine Outpatient: 2.5 blocks
• Geriatrics: 1 block
• Inpatient Medicine: 2 blocks
• IP Pediatric Medicine (CCMC): 1 block
• Maternity Care Clinic: 0.5 block
• Night Float: 1 block
• Obstetrics: 1 block

In the second year, residents have more dedicated time in Family Medicine Continuity Clinics, totaling 1.5 full days per week.

Postgraduate Year 3 (PGY3)

The third year allows for further specialization with 13 blocks, including:

• Electives: 3 blocks
• Family Medicine Outpatient: 3 blocks
• Gynecology: 1 block
• Inpatient Medicine: 1.5 blocks
• Inpatient Medicine Backup: 1 block
• Night Float: 0.5 block
• Orthopedics: 1 block
• Pediatrics Emergency Medicine (CCMC): 1 block
• Practice Management: 0.5 block
• Radiology: 0.5 block

During this year, residents will engage in clinical practice within Family Medicine Continuity Clinics for 2 full days a week.

Elective Rotation Choices

The program offers a variety of elective rotations. These include options in:

• Addiction Medicine
• Allergy-Immunology
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Family Medicine Inpatient Services
• Gastroenterology
• General Surgery
• Geriatrics
• Hematology-Oncology
• Hospice-Palliative Care
• ICU
• Inpatient Medicine
• Outpatient Medicine
• Nephrology
• NICU
• Pathology
• Podiatry
• Psychiatry-Behavioral Medicine
• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Surgery

Additional elective opportunities may be accessible upon request, allowing residents to tailor their experience according to their interests and career goals 1.

Program and Hospital Benefits

Program Benefits

• ACOFP for PGY3
• COMLEX 3 exam fee reimbursement for family medicine residents
• Educational stipend of $750 annually
• iPhone with unlimited data
• Laptop
• Meal stipend
• Membership to applicable professional societies
• Mentorship opportunities
• National board parts 1 and 2 fee reimbursement
• Participation in GME and hospital committees
• Program-sponsored sports and recruitment events
• Research opportunities
• Resident events, including holiday and graduation parties

Salary Structure

The compensation for residents is structured as follows:

• PGY1: $68,500
• PGY2: $71,250
• PGY3: $74,500

Hospital Benefits

• 20 paid vacation days
• Cafeteria meal discount
• Free parking
• Health, life, and short-term disability insurance
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Retirement plan

Eligibility and Competitiveness

While specific application requirements may vary, prospective residents should be aware that the program is competitive. The residency welcomes graduates from a diverse range of medical schools and aims to attract individuals passionate about family medicine. Additional special application requirements might include limits on the number of failed STEP examinations or year of graduation. However, these specifics should be reviewed in the program's admission guidelines 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring international medical graduates can participate in this training opportunity. This support is crucial for IMG candidates who aim to further their residency training in the United States.

Graduate Outcomes

Completing the Family Medicine Residency can open numerous professional doors. Graduates have successfully entered various fellowships, including:

• Geriatrics Fellowships
• Sports Medicine Fellowships
• Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Fellowships

Many have secured positions in specialty areas such as Addiction Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist roles, Hyperbaric Chamber Medicine, Nocturnist positions, Primary Care, Private Practice, Sports Medicine, and Urgent Care 1.