Mercyhealth GME Consortium Program

The Mercyhealth GME Consortium Program in Sports Medicine, affiliated with the Family Medicine Residency Program in Rockford, is designed to provide comprehensive training in family medicine with a focus on sports-related healthcare. This residency program is situated within a community-based framework and is fully accredited, facilitating a hands-on, patient-centered experience.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the program includes traditional family medicine principles while incorporating specialized training in sports medicine. Residents advance through a structured curriculum that evolves across three postgraduate years (PGY). Training is essential for developing the requisite knowledge and skills to manage a broad range of health issues effectively.

PGY 1

Residents begin their journey in PGY 1 with opportunities in inpatient medicine, stepdown ICU, emergency medicine, NICU, inpatient obstetrics, pediatrics, behavioral health, and sports medicine, with night float responsibilities and wound care included as well.

PGY 2

In PGY 2, the focus expands to include critical care, outpatient pediatrics, and a deeper dive into emergency medicine. Residents also engage in cardiology, general surgery, and sports medicine, enhancing their clinical acumen.

PGY 3

The final year (PGY 3) further emphasizes community medicine, health system management, gynecology, geriatrics, and expands their focus within sports medicine, preparing residents to serve diverse patient populations effectively.

Rotations

Various rotations allow residents to engage with different medical conditions and settings. These rotations occur in outpatient and inpatient services, encompassing a comprehensive range of specialties relevant to family medicine including emergency medicine and obstetrics. This diverse exposure assists residents in addressing the full spectrum of family health concerns, including sports-related injuries and treatments.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities. The program fosters publication and presentation opportunities at local, regional, and national conferences. This commitment to research enriches the residency experience and contributes to the field of sports medicine and family medicine at large.

Unique Aspects

The Mercyhealth program prides itself on its community outreach efforts. Residents partake in local health initiatives, school health fairs, and home visits, ensuring residents develop a solid relationship with the community and a robust understanding of the population's health needs.

Training Sites

The primary training sites are Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside, and Mercyhealth Alpine Family Medicine Clinic, wherein residents gain exposure to an array of specialties and clinical conditions. The facilities are equipped with modern medical technologies and resources to support comprehensive education in family and sports medicine.

Benefits and Salary

Residents receive competitive salaries starting from $60,000 in PGY-1 and increasing annually. Additional benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and support for academic pursuits, such as conference attendance and educational materials. The program also offers relocation assistance and a chief resident stipend.

Visa Support

Currently, the program does not sponsor visas and accepts candidates with permanent residency status only, such as H-1B visa holders. This aspect limits eligibility primarily to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, reinforcing the competitive nature of the program.

Application Requirements

For applicants, the program has specific criteria including graduation from an accredited medical school within three years of the match season, successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, or COMLEX equivalent. Candidates are expected to submit a complete application, including personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Competitiveness

The Mercyhealth Family Medicine Residency Program is considered competitive, welcoming graduates from various medical backgrounds, including DO and IMG graduates. It aims to create a diverse cohort eager to learn and impacted by the community aspect of family medicine and sports medicine.