Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University Public Health and General Preventive Medicine Residency & Fellowship Program provides a comprehensive and dynamic educational environment for medical professionals seeking to specialize in preventive medicine. Housed within the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, this program has been a cornerstone of public health training for over 25 years, emphasizing the role of public health leaders in diverse clinical and research settings.

With accreditation for seven positions, the program is robust enough to cater to the specific interests and backgrounds of its residents while adhering to the requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 1. Emory’s unique position in Atlanta, often deemed the “Public Health Capital of the World,” provides residents with opportunities to engage with globally recognized institutions, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Carter Center, and various local health agencies.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum is designed to develop competencies as specified by the ACGME, culminating in board certification in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. Emory provides an Executive Master of Public Health (eMPH) degree focused on Applied Epidemiology, which is integrated into the residency training program, ensuring residents gain practical and theoretical expertise in public health 4.

Training incorporates a diverse range of clinical and community experiences. Residents participate in a minimum of two months of direct patient care annually, focusing on various areas including:

• Infectious disease management
• Preventive cardiology
• Cancer prevention
• Occupational medicine
• Women's health

Core Experiences

Core learning experiences include rotation sites such as:

• Atlanta VA Medical Center
• Emory University Hospital System
• CDC's various divisions
• State and local health departments
• Grady Memorial Hospital

This comprehensive exposure allows residents to engage in focal and longitudinal research, as well as program evaluation and health policy development in collaborative settings across different public and private institutions 5.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to participate in and often lead scholarly projects that may extend beyond the duration of individual rotations. This could include presenting research at conferences or publishing manuscripts, fostering skills akin to junior faculty members 9. Research areas are broad, spanning topics such as:

• Health disparities
• Chronic disease prevention
• Emergency preparedness
• Global health challenges

Competitive Nature and Application Requirements

The residency program at Emory is considered competitive, welcoming both U.S. allopathic and osteopathic graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs) 8. To apply, candidates should ensure they meet specific criteria which includes graduation year restrictions and a maximum number of failed STEP exams 3. The program requires applications through ERAS, encouraging prospective residents to familiarize themselves with the unique qualities of the training offered and to prepare strong applications highlighting their qualifications and interests in preventive medicine.

Visa Sponsorship and International Applicants

For international applicants, Emory University supports J-1 visa sponsorship, which is common for medical training programs. The program is committed to ensuring that international medical graduates have the necessary support during their application and training 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's emphasis on applied public health is a significant draw, particularly given its collaborative nature with leading organizations such as the CDC and various local health departments. This positions graduates well for impactful careers in public health settings or further specialization within their fields 7. Alumni of the program have successfully transitioned into roles within federal and state public health agencies, academia, and clinical settings, demonstrating the program's efficacy in preparing leaders in the field.

Training Sites and Rotations

Training occurs at multiple prestigious locations, providing a well-rounded experience. Sites include innovative healthcare systems, community health organizations, and research institutions:

• Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (for board-certified pediatricians)
• DeKalb County Board of Health

The diverse rotation sites enable residents to participate in real-world public health initiatives, contributing to projects that directly affect health outcomes within the community 6.