Florida State University College of Medicine/Lee Memorial Health System Program

About the Family Medicine Residency Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Florida State University College of Medicine is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and is a three-year ACGME accredited program. The program prides itself on its 100% board exam pass rate since inception and offers a close-knit environment for residents. The mission of the program is to provide exemplary primary care to diverse communities, focusing on health disparities among underserved populations. The residency emphasizes hands-on training in an unopposed setting, assuring that residents graduate with comprehensive skills necessary for full-spectrum family medicine practice 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured using a Clinic-First scheduling model, where second and third-year residents dedicate a week in the ambulatory clinic followed by a week of rotational learning. Residents have opportunities to participate in a multidisciplinary care environment, which includes various specialists working in an integrated model 3.

Educational goals are to provide a comprehensive training in multiple clinical disciplines, ensuring residents are well-prepared for family medical practice. Elective experiences can be customized around areas such as Sports Medicine, Global Health, and Health Disparities, among others 3.

Rotation Schedule

Residents rotate through several essential areas, including:

• Inpatient Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Critical Care
• Pediatrics

Facilities and Training Sites

The residency program primarily trains within the Lee Health system, which is one of the largest public health systems in the United States, with multiple hospitals and clinics supporting diverse care needs. Key facilities include:

• Lee Memorial Hospital
• HealthPark Medical Center
• Golisano Children's Hospital

These facilities allow residents to gain extensive clinical experience, including access to a comprehensive rehabilitation hospital and specialty services 5.

Application Requirements

To apply for the residency program, candidates must submit an application through ERAS and fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Medical school transcripts
• USMLE or COMLEX transcripts (minimum score of 220)
• Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must have ECFMG certification and must reside in the United States for at least one year (preferably with medical experience) 4.

Resident Benefits

The program offers a robust compensation and benefits package, including:

• PGY1: $63,162; PGY2: $65,687; PGY3: $68,394
• Relocation signing payment: $5,000
• Housing stipend: $750/month
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance of $1,000 per year
• 4 weeks of paid time off annually

Community Engagement

The program emphasizes community involvement, encouraging residents and faculty to engage in outreach efforts, such as providing healthcare services to underserved populations in the local area. This includes programs that support teen mothers and migrant workers through educational initiatives and health screenings 7.

Wellness and Support

The Family Medicine Residency Program recognizes the stressors faced by residents during training, offering wellness programs aimed at supporting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Activities include support groups, team-building exercises, and annual wellness retreats 8.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is able to sponsor J1 visas for international medical graduates. However, H-1B visa sponsorship is not available. Eligible applicants should ideally be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or hold valid J1 status 6.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is highly competitive, especially for DOs and IMGs. To remain competitive, applicants must demonstrate a solid academic foundation, clinical experience, and community service. The program does not accept applicants who have graduated from medical school more than five years prior without sufficient clinical experience in the U.S. 4.