Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center provides a robust and comprehensive training experience designed to cultivate skilled, compassionate family physicians. The program is situated in one of California's most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse cities, Long Beach, allowing residents to gain exposure to a wide array of patient populations and medical conditions.

Program Overview

Established over 40 years ago, the program has developed a unique identity that blends community-based training with academic rigor. It operates in an unopposed environment, enabling residents to work closely with other specialty trainees while focusing on their own development in family medicine.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The program adopts both a block curriculum and a longitudinal curriculum to ensure comprehensive exposure to the breadth of family medicine. Residents engage in various inpatient and outpatient settings during their training. They begin with a strong foundation in essential skills and gradually move towards more complex cases. Notable aspects include:2

• Inpatient Medicine: Interns are expected to participate in rounds starting at 7:30 am, with opportunities for patient evaluations in the ED.
• Elective Time: Residents have 20 weeks of elective time, predominantly in their third year, allowing for additional training in specific interests such as nephrology and global health.
• Didactics: Almost daily didactics are integrated into the schedule, along with hands-on workshops on various procedures.

Areas of Concentration

Residents can select areas of concentration (AOCs) to tailor their training further. Available AOCs include community medicine, health policy, LGBTQ medicine, reproductive health, and sports medicine. This flexibility supports residents in pursuing their unique interests while grounded in the core principles of family medicine.3

Research Opportunities

The program encourages research participation, allowing residents to work on projects aligning with their interests and professional goals. Opportunities for global health experiences and collaborations with local clinics further enhance the educational development of residents.4

Clinical Training Sites

Residents train in various clinical settings, including:

• Family Medicine Center
• Westside Neighborhood Clinic
• Long Beach Memorial Hospital
• Miller Children’s Hospital

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program maintains a competitive application process, primarily favoring graduates from accredited medical schools. International medical graduates must possess ECFMG certification. Applicants must not have failed any USMLE or COMLEX Step attempts to remain eligible. Additionally, visas are not sponsored by the program, making it less accessible for some international candidates.5

Benefits and Support

Residents receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Annual salaries ranging from $80,614 to $85,756, including a $10,000 housing stipend.
• Meal stipends, wellness stipends, and allowances for continuing medical education.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for the resident and immediate family.
• On-site training in critical skills like ACLS and neonatal resuscitation.
• Free parking and potential moonlighting opportunities.

Community Engagement and Support Services

The residency program emphasizes community service with initiatives like Neighborhood Med, which provides mentorship to under-represented students. This dedication to community engagement helps residents develop skills essential for serving diverse populations and navigating health disparities.6

Living in Long Beach

Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city with a variety of neighborhoods that provide residents with a rich cultural experience outside of their medical training. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, parks, and a dynamic urban landscape, fostering a healthy work-life balance.