Johnston Memorial Hospital Program

Family Medicine Residency Program Overview

The Dr. S. Hughes Melton Family Medicine Residency Program at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia, is dedicated to providing advanced and specialized training in family medicine. This program emphasizes hands-on learning through one-on-one work with attending physicians and supports residents as they pursue the specialty of family medicine that best suits their interests and career goals. After completing the residency, graduates will be well-prepared to serve any community and provide care for diverse populations as licensed physicians. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 1.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum features a comprehensive longitudinal training experience, allowing residents to learn various skills essential for delivering all-encompassing care to patients of all ages. Key elements of the curriculum include:

• Continuity of Care: Residents will engage in longitudinal continuity of care experiences over the three years of training, supporting relationships with patients across their medical journey.
• Long-term Care Experience: This will take place during the second and third years, involving regularly scheduled monthly experiences in a geriatric care setting. This aspect fulfills ACGME requirements for long-term care experiences.
• Didactics: Weekly didactic sessions feature core conference lectures (four hours weekly) covering various curriculum components across specializations 1.

Training Environment

Johnston Memorial Hospital is affiliated with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, offering clinical clerkships to VCOM medical students. This partnership enhances educational opportunities and resources for residents. The hospital provides a supportive environment for residents to thrive and work within a collaborative model 1.

Application Process

The program accepts six residents each year. Applicants must submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The selection process looks for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to family medicine and have relevant clinical experience.

Salary and Benefits

Johnston Memorial Hospital offers a competitive salary structure that increases annually as residents progress through training, starting with a base salary of $57,436 for the first year and increasing to $61,099 by the third year. The educational stipend, which also grows through the years, begins at $500 and rises to $1,500 in the final year. Residents receive numerous benefits to ensure their well-being, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including dental coverage
• Paid time off (20 days yearly)
• Professional liability insurance with tail coverage
• Wellness program access
• Free employee parking and counseling services 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Family Medicine Residency Program is open to applicants holding various visas. It provides J-1 visa sponsorship on a case-by-case basis, accommodating candidates from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic medical graduates (DOs). The program is recognized for being DO-friendly and supportive of IMGs, enhancing diversity among its cohorts 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This residency program benefits from its location in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offering both residents and families opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, historical sites, and vibrant community life. Abingdon was recognized for its remarkable food scene, further enriching the lifestyle of residents, making it an attractive area to live and work 1.

Resident Life and Leadership

The residency program promotes a supportive culture among its residents and faculty, emphasizing collaboration and a team-oriented approach. Leadership within the program includes a diverse group of faculty dedicated to resident success and well-being. They provide mentorship and guidance, ensuring that residents are equipped with both clinical skills and resilience necessary for their careers 1.

Special Application Requirements

While the program does not explicitly mention a maximum number of failed exams nor a specific graduation year requirement, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate consistent academic performance and must provide detailed documentation of their clinical experience. All applications are evaluated on a holistic basis, ensuring each candidate's potential for success within the program is contextualized within their background.