HCA Healthcare/Tufts University School of Medicine: Portsmouth Regional Hospital Program

The Portsmouth Regional Hospital/Tufts University School of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program offers a comprehensive training environment aimed at developing skilled family physicians in a supportive learning atmosphere. The program operates within the framework of HCA Healthcare and is known for its extensive educational resources and partnerships.

Program Overview

This three-year residency program accepts eight residents annually, culminating in a total of 24 residents. As a fully accredited program by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education since May 2020, the residency incorporates a mission to foster the next generation of physicians and leaders dedicated to the care and improvement of human life 1.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a 220-bed acute-care community hospital, which is the only Level II Trauma Center in the seacoast region of New Hampshire, serving not just New Hampshire but also parts of Maine and Massachusetts. The program's focus includes providing a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care and the development of essential skills within family medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is divided into 13 four-week rotation blocks, primarily hosted at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and affiliated medical centers. Interns start with continuity clinics, where they engage with their patient panels, with the time commitment increasing each year 2.

Residents participate in various core rotations, including adult inpatient medicine, pediatric care, and obstetrics. A unique aspect of the program is the lack of overnight on-call duties during the adult inpatient rotation, replaced by a dedicated night float rotation, enhancing work-life balance for residents.

Weekly education sessions, held on Wednesday afternoons, focus on case conferences, simulation training, and procedural training, allowing residents to engage actively in their learning process. Additionally, residents participate in required scholarly activities, driving home the importance of evidence-based practice and quality improvement within their training curriculum 2.

Continuity Clinics

The continuity clinic is a cornerstone of the residency experience, where residents develop longitudinal relationships with patients at two primary sites: Goodwin Community Health and Appledore Family Medicine. This framework supports a strong emphasis on team-based care and the management of population health issues, helping residents prepare for diverse clinical situations they may encounter in practice 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes collaborative learning through partnerships within HCA's broader healthcare system, including working with residents from internal medicine and psychiatry. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a rich educational experience that enhances patient care capabilities across specialties.

Additionally, the program has made a commitment to continuous improvement in resident education and healthcare delivery, ensuring that each resident is equipped to meet the evolving needs of their community. The facilities are state-of-the-art, including a new simulation center and innovative learning environments that complement the clinical experience at Portsmouth Regional Hospital 4.

Faculty and Mentorship

The residency is led by an experienced team of faculty who are committed to the educational and professional growth of residents. Faculty members have diverse training backgrounds and extensive experience in family medicine, ensuring a robust mentorship experience 3.

Visa Support

The program provides sponsorship for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas, which is particularly aimed at international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to complete their training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

While each year attracts many applicants, the program is considered to be friendly towards DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG candidates, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusive training practices. Specific application criteria may include graduation year restrictions and exam performance requirements, highlighting the program's rigorous selection standards designed to ensure the best fit for resident trainees.

Benefits and Support

The program offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental coverage, educational stipends, and opportunities for professional development, illustrating the program's commitment to supporting residents holistically.