Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus Program

The Sports Medicine (Family Medicine) residency program at Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus is designed to train residents in the multi-faceted field of Family Medicine with a significant emphasis on sports medicine. The program is structured as a three-year, ACGME-accredited residency specifically tailored to equip residents with the necessary skills to provide comprehensive care for athletes and physically active patients. Residents will benefit from diverse training experiences through rotations in various clinical settings, allowing them to develop a well-rounded approach to sports medicine.

The curriculum of the program emphasizes not only clinical excellence but also a commitment to community health, wellness, and preventive care. Residents will encounter a myriad of medical conditions common among physically active individuals, gaining experience in both acute and chronic injury management. The program is geared towards preparing its graduates for the board certification examination in Family Medicine and providing a foundation for those who wish to pursue fellowship training in sports medicine.

Curriculum Structure

The program's curriculum is designed to cover a wide range of medical competencies, integrating didactic learning with hands-on clinical experience. During the three years of training, residents will participate in various rotations that include:

• Inpatient Family Medicine: Initial months will focus on inpatient care to build fundamental skills in managing complex cases.
• Sports Medicine: Residents will have dedicated rotations to hone their skills in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries.
• Outpatient Care: Emphasis on continuity of care, chronic disease management, and preventive medicine.
• Specialty Rotations: Involvement in various specialties allows residents to grasp the broader context of medical care impacting athletic performance and injury recovery.

Clinical Rotations

The residency program offers a mix of clinical rotations designed to give residents exposure to a broad array of medical disciplines. Specific rotations may include:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Gynecology
• Geriatrics

Residents also complete elective rotations where they may explore additional interest areas or deepen their expertise in sports medicine.

Training Sites

Training occurs across multiple affiliated sites, enhancing exposure to diverse patient populations. Clinical sites include:

• Larkin Community Hospital: Main training site with comprehensive resources and varied patient demographics.
• Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus: Provides a full-service acute care environment emphasizing community health.
• Miami Pain & Diagnostics: Rotations focusing on pain management in athletes.
• Community Health Centers: Experiential learning in primary care for underserved populations.

Research Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to engage in research activities, both clinical and community-oriented. The Department of Research at Larkin Community Hospital provides resources and support for residents to participate in scholarly work as well as quality improvement initiatives. This commitment to research allows residents to contribute to advancements in sports medicine, enhancing the learning environment.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the Sports Medicine (Family Medicine) program is integrated within the broader Family Medicine residency application process. Key requirements include:

• Completion of medical school within the last two years.
• Valid ECFMG certification for international medical graduates.
• Passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or COMLEX equivalents.
• Minimum score consideration for interviews typically starts at 210 for USMLE/COMLEX.

The program is DO-friendly, welcoming applicants from both MD and DO medical schools.

Visa Sponsorship

Larkin Community Hospital only sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This policy ensures that residents receive the proper training while complying with immigration regulations.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Sports Medicine residency at Larkin Community Hospital is considered competitive; however, it aims to recruit a diverse cohort of residents, including international medical graduates and those holding DO degrees. Emphasis is placed on a comprehensive evaluation of applicants to determine their fit within the program.