Florida State University College of Medicine Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at the Florida State University College of Medicine, located at BayCare Health System in Winter Haven, Florida, is designed to cultivate skilled family physicians through a comprehensive training approach. The program emphasizes the concepts of lifelong learning, compassion, quality improvement, evidence-based medicine, and scholarship, all aimed at developing well-rounded and patient-centered family physicians.

Program Mission and Vision
The primary mission of the residency program is to provide a dynamic professional learning environment that fosters continuous education in family medicine. The vision of the program is to produce compassionate physicians who are dedicated to serving diverse communities in Central Florida, particularly aiming to mitigate the primary care physician shortage in the region 1.

Training Environment
This residency offers a full-scope family medicine training experience with a strong emphasis on ambulatory medicine. The training takes place in a supportive community environment, and residents have numerous opportunities to engage with a diverse patient population at various facilities, including the 468-bed Winter Haven Hospital and the specialized Winter Haven Women’s Hospital 1. Residents are involved in extensive inpatient training and experience unopposed obstetrics at the women’s hospital.

Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of the Family Medicine Residency is structured to meet the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies, including patient care, medical knowledge, and interpersonal communication skills 3. Residents participate in a broad array of rotations encompassing pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, and other specialties. A crucial aspect includes dedicated educational conferences, simulation exercises, and board review activities to ensure well-rounded training 3.

Community Focus
Residents also gain firsthand experience in community medicine through rotations at local clinics, where they assist in delivering care to underserved populations. This hands-on approach encourages residents to develop confidence while providing essential healthcare services and promoting health awareness within the community 4.

Visa Support and Eligibility Requirements
The Family Medicine Residency Program does not support J-1 or H-1B visa applications. This restriction is pertinent for international medical graduates seeking to apply. All applicants must possess a minimum of six months of U.S. clinical experience and are preferred to have graduated within three years prior to applying 2.

Residency Competitiveness
The program is highly competitive, particularly for U.S. MD and DO graduates. Applicants should ensure they meet the minimum criteria, which includes passing USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK on the first attempt and submitting a personal statement and letters of recommendation 2. The program typically favors candidates with a recent residency experience in the U.S. as part of its selection process.

Facilities and Resources
The residency program is linked to several quality facilities, including Winter Haven Hospital, which is recognized for its patient-centered care and a variety of services, and the Family Health Center, which provides a modern, community-based facility for hands-on training 4. Educational resources such as the Charlotte Edwards Maguire Medical Library and access to UpToDate are available to residents to support continuous learning.

Resident Well-Being
The residency program places significant importance on the wellness of its residents, incorporating a wellness curriculum that spans various dimensions of well-being, addressing topics like mindfulness, sleep, and career purpose 5. The aim is to create a supportive environment that promotes the mental and physical health of its residents throughout their training.

Scholarly Activity
All residents are required to engage in scholarly activities, which not only enhance their learning but also contribute to the body of knowledge in family medicine. They are expected to present their findings to faculty and peers, fostering a collaborative academic environment 6.