MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program

The MedStar Health—Franklin Square Residency Program in Family Medicine/Public Health and General Preventive Medicine is a unique four-year combined residency program designed to lead to board certification in both family medicine and general preventive medicine. This program is a collaboration between MedStar Franklin Square Family Medicine Residency and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH). The program excels in training leaders in family medicine and public health to make improvements in health at both community and global levels.

Residents enrolled in the program are given opportunities to practice full-scope family medicine while also participating in general preventive medicine training, which incorporates coursework that allows them to earn a Master in Public Health (MPH) degree. This synthesis of clinical and population health strategies enables residents to address health disparities effectively.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the residency is comprehensive and includes a mix of practicum block rotations and longitudinal family medicine rotations. Residents complete eight general preventive medicine practicum rotations linked with JHSPH, which cover diverse areas like biostatistics, epidemiology, and office of public health strategy and analysis. In addition, longitudinal family medicine rotations encompass a variety of settings, such as family health centers, emergency departments, geriatrics, and musculoskeletal medicine. Furthermore, residents have the flexibility to create elective rotations tailored to their interests in consultation with the program director and program manager.

Rotations

Residents of the program will engage in rotations spanning multiple critical fields, including:

• Biostatistics/Epidemiology
• Clinical Preventive Medicine
• Management and Administration
• Environmental/Occupational Medicine

Sample rotation sites include the Maryland Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Indian Health Service, Johns Hopkins research centers, and various health departments, both local and federal. These diverse rotation experiences enable residents to tackle public health challenges across varied contexts.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to partake in research activities, fostering a deep understanding of community health challenges and evidencing the impact of academic research on public health initiatives. This facet of training cultivates a mindset for public health and preventive medicine, providing residents with the tools needed to contribute to innovative health solutions.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This residency program stands out due to its dual-focus nature, merging primary care and public health. This combined approach is not only unique but vital in today’s healthcare landscape, as physicians are better equipped to understand the broader social determinants affecting patient health. The connections fostered with community organizations further enhance the residents' experiences and amplify their impact on health equity.

Application Information

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize the electronic residency application service (ERAS) for submissions. The program has set specific criteria for applicants which include:

• A valid ECFMG certificate
• Completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK and CS or COMLEX Step 1 and 2, with a desirable passing score of at least 210 on first attempt
• Minimum of four months of clinical experience in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, or South Africa
• Letter of recommendation from the clinical experience facility
• Eligibility for J-1 visa sponsorship

Additionally, applicants must be within three years of graduation from medical school.

Visa Support

The program provides support for J-1 visa applications, which is essential for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking residency training in the United States. This is an important consideration for DOs and IMGs who may face additional challenges when applying to residency programs.

Competitiveness

The program is considered highly competitive. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs, emphasizing the need for compassion, community experience, and a demonstrated commitment to improving health equity.

Current Residents

Current residents are deeply engaged in local communities and often share a commitment to addressing health disparities through advocacy and public health initiatives. They exhibit a wide range of interests spanning from global health to policy-making, making the program enriched by diverse voices and perspectives.