MaineHealth Family Medicine Residency Program Overview
The MaineHealth Family Medicine Residency Program is designed to equip its residents with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice family medicine effectively. The program operates within the Maine Medical Center (MMC) and is characterized by its dual role as both an academic institution and a community-based healthcare provider.
Curriculum and Rotations
The program features a robust curriculum tailored to meet the diverse educational needs of its residents. The educational experience systematically evolves through frequent evaluations conducted by the curriculum committee. The curriculum spans three years, and residents engage in numerous clinical rotations that emphasize practical and hands-on learning.
Major Rotation Areas
Residents experience a variety of rotations including:
- Inpatient family medicine service, where they manage cases from acute primary care to obstetrics and pediatrics.
- Outpatient clinic settings that include specialized clinics for gender-affirming care, procedures, and the care of patients experiencing homelessness.
- Sports medicine, where residents engage directly with managing musculoskeletal injuries and participate in local athletic events.
Key Features of the Curriculum
Key aspects of the curriculum include:
- 2-week block rotations which limit intensive inpatient time.
- Protected Time for Education: A dedicated Wednesday afternoon for didactics and resident support groups.
- Simulation training sessions at the Hannaford Center for Safety, Innovation, and Simulation.
Research Opportunities
MaineHealth encourages residents to engage in scholarly work, with each resident participating in a research project during their training. Projects may fall into categories such as primary research, quality improvement initiatives, or community-based projects. The program supports its residents through various collaborative opportunities with faculty leaders in research, ensuring the development of critical analytical skills.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The MaineHealth Family Medicine Residency Program boasts several distinctive features, including:
- A focus on family-centered care in a diverse community, with over 60 languages spoken in Portland.
- A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the training environment.
- A partnership with the Tufts University School of Medicine that enhances the educational landscape, offering ample opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.
Fellowships and Areas of Focus
The program offers various fellowship opportunities for residents interested in specializing further post-residency. Areas of specialization include:
- Sports Medicine Fellowship
- Integrative Medicine Fellowship
- Geriatrics Fellowship
- Addiction Medicine Fellowship
For each of these fellowships, residents receive dedicated training and mentorship which helps to ease the transition into specialized practices.
Visa Support
The program is committed to diversity and inclusivity in its applications. It accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates. Applicants who have graduated from medical school within the last two years or have clinically practiced medicine can apply.
Application Requirements
Acceptance into the program is competitive, with specific requirements for applicants, including:
- A completed application via Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
- Submission of Dean's letter, medical school transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX transcripts (passing Step 1/Part 1 and Step 2/Part 2 with a maximum of two attempts).
- 3 to 4 letters of recommendation, with at least two from attending physicians at U.S. or Canadian teaching hospitals.
- If an international medical graduate, certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is necessary along with 12 months of U.S. clinical experience.
Resident Life and Wellbeing
Maintaining well-being during residency is prioritized, with resources provided to support a balanced lifestyle amid the demands of training. The program recognizes the importance of work-life balance and provides a nurturing environment to foster both professional and personal growth.
Residency Practice Sites
Residents primarily rotate through the following practice sites:
- MaineHealth Primary Care - Family Medicine - Portland
- MaineHealth Primary Care - Family Medicine - Falmouth
- MaineHealth Preble Street Learning Collaborative, focused on providing care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
These sites are integral to the residents’ training experience, exposing them to a diverse patient population.
Residents’ Perspectives
The residency program promotes a strong sense of community among its residents, who consistently commend the supportive environment, emphasis on education, and commitment to providing excellent patient care. Alumni often pursue careers in various specializations, embodying the comprehensive training received during their residency.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$68,036First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
5 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
20%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
209Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
5Match History
1236120C0
2024
7 of 72023
7 of 72022
7 of 72021
7 of 72020
7 of 7Location
Portland, ME
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Portland, ME
- Crime Rate and Safety: Portland, ME, is considered a safe city with a lower crime rate compared to other cities in the United States.
- Fun Activities: Portland offers a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, theaters, and a variety of dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, sailing, and skiing in the nearby area.
- Climate: Portland experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The city is known for its beautiful fall foliage.
- Races and Population: Portland has a diverse population with various races and ethnicities represented in the community.
- Education: Portland is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Portland is slightly higher than the national average, mainly due to housing costs.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Boston, MA, is approximately two hours away by car from Portland, offering access to a major metropolitan area for additional entertainment and career opportunities.