Kaiser Permanente Southern California (Fontana) Program

The Kaiser Permanente Fontana Family Medicine Residency is a well-established program that has been training family physicians for over 65 years. The program is known for its commitment to developing residents into outstanding physician leaders capable of providing quality patient care, embracing the diversity of the communities served, and demonstrating lifelong learning.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is rooted in four foundational pillars: Ambulatory Care, Academics, Research, and Procedures. It emphasizes:

• High patient volume exposure, particularly in pediatrics, gynecology, and adult medicine within a Family Medicine clinic.
• Team-based care for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• A robust academic environment supported by a state-of-the-art tertiary care hospital.
• Longitudinal training in behavioral medicine, which integrates behavioral health education throughout residency.

Residents benefit from substantial hands-on experience performing common ambulatory procedures such as joint injections and dermatological procedures, with specialized training available in Sports Medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Kaiser Permanente Fontana program offers several unique features:

• Access to a diverse patient population and major medical resources.
• Sub-specialty training options in areas like Lifestyle Medicine, Sports Medicine, Community Medicine, and Health Policy.
• Immediate consultations are available through on-site fellowship faculty.
• Established outreach initiatives engage with surrounding communities.

Training Sites

The residency is primarily based in the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, which features a 450-bed hospital alongside a full spectrum of specialty clinics. Training also extends to the Ontario Medical Center, ensuring a broad and diverse training experience across different care settings.

Faculty and Mentorship

Residents work closely with a dedicated group of faculty who are not only experienced clinicians but also passionate educators. Faculty members include experts in various fields of family medicine, ensuring comprehensive mentorship throughout residency training. Program faculty demonstrate significant involvement in direct patient care, allowing residents to learn side-by-side with these leaders.

Resident Community

The residency program fosters a supportive community among its residents. The first year consists of eight residents per cohort, progressing to a total of 24 residents in the third year. This close-knit group encourages camaraderie and peer support, enhancing both educational and personal experiences.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The program is competitively sought after, accepting nine positions per year. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate solid academic performance and a commitment to family medicine to enhance their chances of acceptance. Early submission of applications is encouraged to secure interview slots.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating international medical graduates seeking residency opportunities in family medicine.

Special Application Requirements

Though specific requirements may vary, applicants should ensure that they meet eligibility criteria, including graduation timelines and any necessary exam performance standards. The program is generally considered friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates, enhancing diversity within its resident cohort.