Keck School of Medicine of USC Program

The Keck School of Medicine of USC Family Medicine Residency Program is designed to cultivate a generation of family medicine physician leaders, committed to serving the diverse and vibrant communities of Los Angeles. The program, started in 2021, emphasizes a mission driven by health equity, patient-centered care, and a comprehensive educational experience.

Program Overview

The program is situated within a premier academic medical institution, providing access to a wide network of clinical training sites and educational resources. Residents have the opportunity to experience a variety of clinical settings due to the program's partnerships with respected teaching hospitals, community clinics, and specialized care environments. This diverse training framework is designed to equip residents with the necessary tools to thrive in their future practice.

Curriculum

The Family Medicine Residency Program adopts a “Clinic First” model, prioritizing continuity of care through outpatient clinic experiences. Residents integrate this focus into their training from the start, with the curriculum structured as follows:

• PGY-1: Residents average 1 full day of continuity clinic each week during their ambulatory rotations, and half a day during inpatient rotations. They engage with specialty clinics covering areas such as Women’s Health, Geriatrics, and COVID Recovery.
• PGY-2 and PGY-3: Residents spend approximately 2 full days of continuity clinic each week, furthering their longitudinal relationships with patients.
• Residents also participate in dedicated pediatric and obstetrics rotations, palliative care, sports medicine, and substance use disorder management across various clinical environments, reflecting the program's commitment to comprehensive primary care training.

Unique Learning Opportunities

The program includes specialized training in Street Medicine, where residents provide care to the homeless population in Los Angeles, enhancing their understanding of social determinants of health and healthcare disparities. This innovative curriculum prepares residents for advocacy roles and fosters a commitment to social justice in the practice of medicine.

Research and Scholarship

Residents are expected to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training. Each resident is required to complete a research project and a Quality Improvement initiative by graduation, along with participating in biannual journal clubs and dedicated research rotations. The program supports residents in pursuing additional research interests, leveraging the academic resources available at USC.

Application Process

To apply to the program, candidates must utilize the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation, at least one from a family medicine physician. The program does not have strict cut-off scores for USMLE or COMLEX, allowing for a holistic review of applicants.

International medical graduates are welcome to apply; however, it is notable that visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. Strong preference is given to applicants who graduated within the past three years.

Resident Benefits

Residents enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes free meals and parking on campus, educational stipends, and vacation time. A housing stipend is also provided to support residents' living expenses in Los Angeles.

Overall Environment

The Keck Family Medicine Residency Program is characterized by its supportive learning environment, commitment to community engagement, and mentorship from experienced faculty. Residents are given numerous leadership opportunities, allowing them to participate in various committees focused on curriculum development, wellness, and community engagement, which are crucial in nurturing future leaders in healthcare.

The program is not only dedicated to training competent family medicine physicians but also to fostering advocates who will influence primary care practices and address healthcare inequalities in their communities.