Memorial Medical Center Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at CHRISTUS Health in Alamogordo is a newly established program dedicated to training family physicians with a focus on providing evidence-based, compassionate care. The program aims to address the healthcare needs of Otero County and surrounding rural areas by supporting the development of skilled family physicians.

Program Overview

This residency program secured initial accreditation from the ACGME in October 2019 and began accepting residents in July 2020. The residency follows a 1 + 2 training format, where the first year (PGY-1) is completed at the Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Program at Memorial Medical Center, allowing residents to gain foundational clinical skills before continuing their training for two additional years in family medicine.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive experience that combines inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring residents receive a well-rounded education in family medicine. The training encompasses various clinical rotations across multiple specialties, allowing residents to engage with diverse patient populations and medical conditions.

Rotations and Clinical Training

Residents will rotate through key specialties such as internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery, among others. This multidimensional approach prepares residents to manage a wide array of health issues, enhancing their capabilities as family physicians. Emphasis is placed on continuity of care, with opportunities to follow patients across different stages of care.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to participate in research activities that enhance their learning and contribute to evidence-based practice. Opportunities may arise through collaborations with faculty and involvement in community health initiatives, providing a platform to explore scholarly interests.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of this residency program is its strong commitment to serving the underserved populations within new Mexico. Residents will gain hands-on experience in providing care to diverse communities, which is intended to foster cultural competency and awareness of social determinants of health. Additionally, the faculty comprises seasoned practitioners with a diverse range of medical expertise, dedicated to mentoring and promoting a supportive learning environment.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the residency is Memorial Medical Center in Alamogordo, complemented by additional clinical experiences at affiliated locations. The integrated model of training facilitates a collaborative atmosphere among residents, faculty, and staff, enhancing practical learning through real-world applications.

Visa Support and Types

The Family Medicine Residency Program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. The program typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating participation from a diverse group of applicants.

Competitiveness

This residency program is positioned to be competitive, welcoming both U.S. and international medical graduates. While the program is appealing to U.S. applicants, it remains open and friendly to DO and IMG candidates, promoting diversity within the cohort.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to have graduated from medical school within a specific timeframe to be eligible for the program. The program has set specific guidelines regarding the number of failed exams on the USMLE Step assessments. This ensures that applicants come with a solid foundation of medical knowledge and competencies.

Community and Wellness Commitment

The program embodies a strong community commitment, emphasizing health promotion and preventive care. Wellness initiatives are integrated into the training process, fostering resilience and personal well-being among residents as they navigate the demands of medical training.