ECU Health Medical Center/East Carolina University Program
Location:
Greenville, NCSpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1253611011The Family Medicine Residency Program at ECU Health Medical Center / East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, is renowned for its robust training in family medicine, including a specialized focus on geriatrics. The program is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine, established to address the primary care needs of the region. The training environment combines the resources of an academic medical center with supportive, community-based experiences, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Curriculum Overview
The residency features a comprehensive curriculum structured across multiple years. During the intern year (PGY-1), residents engage in various rotations designed to provide a foundational experience in family medicine. A substantial portion of the first year is dedicated to outpatient experiences within the ECU Family Medicine Center, along with rotations in inpatient family medicine, cardiology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics, ensuring exposure to high-acuity patient care and diverse medical scenarios 1.
Rotations
The program consists of 13 four-week blocks per academic year. In the second and third years, much of the training takes place in outpatient settings, and residents are expected to manage continuity care in their assigned clinics 2. The variety of rotations includes specialties such as pediatrics, obstetrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, and geriatrics while providing ample opportunities for elective experiences, thereby allowing residents to tailor parts of their education according to their interests 3.
Teaching Sites
The primary teaching sites encompass the ECU Family Medicine Center and the ECU Health Medical Center, a 964-bed Level 1 Trauma Center. These facilities offer residents advanced clinical experiences while serving a diverse patient population from urban settings and rural communities throughout the region 4. The residency also utilizes community health centers focused on specific populations including those underserved, providing insights into rural healthcare challenges.
Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects, collaboratives, and scholarly activities, although there is no formal research requirement. Opportunities exist to work alongside faculty on established projects or to develop individual initiatives 5.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
This program is competitive; applicants must either be U.S. citizens or eligible for a J-1 visa. Candidates are required to have graduated from medical school within the past two years and hold valid ECFMG certification if they attended an international medical school. Additionally, applicants must have passed USMLE Part I and II or the COMLEX equivalents within two attempts. Three letters of recommendation are also necessary, including one from a family medicine physician 6.
Visa Support
The program supports visa sponsorship, particularly for J-1 visas, which is critical for international medical graduates seeking residency training in the United States.
Fellowship Opportunities
After completing the residency, graduates have the opportunity to further their education through fellowship programs in various specialties including geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine, and sports medicine. Each of these programs benefits from the expertise of fellowship-trained faculty who provide additional training and mentorship 7.
Living in Greenville
Greenville, along with surrounding rural communities like Ahoskie and Kenansville, offers a vibrant lifestyle with a low cost of living, making it an attractive place for residents to live and work. The city has numerous restaurants, parks, and cultural activities facilitated by East Carolina University, including theater and concerts 8.
Conclusion on Training Environment
The Family Medicine Residency at ECU promotes a cohesive training environment with a supportive faculty dedicated to resident education and patient care. Learning opportunities within a diverse patient demographic and a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on experience are pivotal in preparing residents for successful careers in family medicine.
Website
Director
Margaret R Clifton, DOClinical Assistant Professor Appointed Since November 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$67,246First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Greenville, NC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Greenville, NC
Greenville, NC is a vibrant city that offers a mix of urban amenities and a small-town feel. Here are some aspects to consider when it comes to living in Greenville:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Greenville has a moderate crime rate compared to the national average. Like any city, it's essential to take standard safety precautions.
- Fun Activities: The city is home to various entertainment options, including parks, museums, shopping centers, and a lively dining scene. The nearby Tar River provides opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
- Climate: Greenville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: The population of Greenville is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities contributing to the city's cultural richness.
- Education: Greenville is known for being a college town, with East Carolina University located in the city. This brings a youthful energy to the area and various educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Greenville is relatively lower compared to bigger cities, which can be a great advantage for residents, especially those just starting their careers.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Greenville is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, and about 2.5 to 3 hours from Charlotte. Both cities offer more extensive cultural offerings, entertainment options, and diverse job opportunities.
Interview Questions
