Florida International University / Baptist Health Program

The Florida International University/Baptist Health Family Medicine Residency offers an individualized education aimed at shaping clinically skilled physicians equipped to operate effectively within a broader health care environment. This program is tailored to prepare residents not only in medical knowledge but also in the interpersonal and collaborative skills crucial for a successful career in family medicine.

The residency focuses on a rich learning experience, drawing on the diverse health needs of the Miami community. Residents are trained in a comprehensive range of family medicine practices, including the management of both acute and chronic conditions in patients of all ages, women's health, sports medicine, as well as health promotion and disease prevention strategies. The program emphasizes broader healthcare system engagement, ensuring that physicians are well-prepared for the future demands of a dynamic healthcare environment.

The curriculum is robust, incorporating quality improvement and research projects aimed at instilling leadership and team-building skills through interprofessional collaboration and community engagement. This targeted approach has helped the residency achieve a remarkable board exam pass rate of 100%, with 65% of residents gaining employment with Baptist Health by graduation.

Training Sites

The training sites for this residency are integral to the educational experience. The Family Medicine Center, located in the Medical Arts Building, acts as the primary training facility. This center combines dedicated resident workspaces, precepting rooms, and conference areas designed to enhance educational resources.

Additionally, the residents gain hands-on experience through various community health initiatives. The Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP program provides needed health care services across several underserved communities in Miami-Dade, allowing residents to engage directly with patient care in diverse settings. West Kendall Baptist Hospital is another pivotal training site, offering comprehensive adult medical and surgical services, inclusive of state-of-the-art critical care units.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is meticulously designed with a blend of block and longitudinal rotations that expose residents to different areas of family medicine throughout their training. The structure of the residency program is divided across three years, with specific yearly focuses:

• Year 1:

  Emphasis on Family Medicine and Community Health, Hospital Medicine, Mother-baby, and Musculoskeletal and Skin.

• Year 2:

  Focus shifts to General Surgery and Surgical Subspecialties, Medical Subspecialties/Hospital Medicine, and Pediatrics.

• Year 3:

  Concentration on Family Medicine and Community Health, Hospital Medicine, along with available electives in Emergency Medicine and Pulmonary/ICU.

Application Requirements

Prospective residents must meet strict eligibility criteria to be considered for the program. Notably, applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last five years and completed at least one year of graduate medical training in an ACGME-accredited internship or residency program. Additionally, fluent proficiency in spoken and written English is necessary. The program shows preference for candidates who have passed USMLE Step 1 and the Clinical Knowledge section of Step 2 on first attempt by established dates, and similar requirements apply for COMLEX exams.

Key application documents include a completed ERAS application, USMLE or equivalent score reports, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation—at least two of which should be from family medicine faculty. International medical graduates are required to have a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Visa Sponsorship

The program is international medical graduate (IMG) friendly, offering visa sponsorship for qualified candidates through the J-1 visa program. This allows international participants to gain the necessary training in the United States and contribute to the local healthcare landscape.

Living in South Florida

Miami, known for its cultural diversity, world-class amenities, and vibrant community, fosters a unique living and working environment for residents. The city provides an array of entertainment options, stunning beaches, and year-round warm weather, making it an attractive destination for residents.