The Family Medicine Residency Program at Naval Hospital Jacksonville is a military-accredited training ground specifically designed to prepare physicians for comprehensive family care in diverse environments. The program spans a length of three years, with a potential one-year preliminary internship available. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), having maintained high standards since its accreditation date in 1971.
One fundamental aspect of the program is its commitment to aligning its curriculum and mission with the overall healthcare needs of military families and service members. The program’s mission emphasizes training Navy Family Medicine physicians to provide full-spectrum healthcare, demonstrating adaptability, innovation, and effective mentorship. Graduates are armed with critical skills to handle any medical situation, ensuring they are prepared for the unique challenges posed by military medicine. The opportunity to serve in myriad roles—from executive medicine to operational deployments—underscores the versatility cultivated throughout the training program 1.
Curriculum Structure
The program’s structure consists of 13, four-week block rotations, offering a comprehensive overview of various specialties essential to Family Medicine. Notable rotations include inpatient medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and dermatology, among many others, with flexibility in customizing elective rotations based on residents' interests 1. During the residency, there is a dedicated emphasis placed on various educational activities. For instance, Thursday afternoons are reserved for academic discussions primarily centered around ambulatory clinical medicine.
Research and Scholarly Activities
Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, including quality improvement projects and clinical research. They receive guidance and mentorship for presenting findings at local, regional, and even international conferences. The program has a track record of producing high-caliber academic professionals, evidenced by its alumni's active participation in peer-reviewed publications 1.
Training Locations
Training occurs at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Florida Health – Jacksonville, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic, providing residents with a varied and rich clinical experience. Furthermore, residents are involved in the Family Medicine Clinic, which primarily caters to active-duty military personnel 1.
Support and Well-Being
The program prioritizes the wellness of its residents, instituting a balanced schedule that includes adequate time off. PGY-1 residents can expect to have 21 days away from training, increasing to 28 days for PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents. Furthermore, 12 weeks of parental leave are offered according to Department of Defense policy, ensuring a supportive work-life balance 1.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
For international medical graduates and other non-citizens, the program offers visa sponsorship options. The types of visas supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling qualified candidates easier pathways to training within the program. However, specific competitive aspects include a requirement for recent graduation from medical school and a limited number of attempts on Step examinations, ensuring applicants meet stringent academic standards 1.
Competitiveness and Selection
The selection process for residency positions in this program is highly competitive, reflecting its reputation within the military medical community. Applicants should be aware that while the program welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic (DO) candidates, the overall applicant pool remains highly competitive due to the program's esteemed accreditation, training opportunities, and strong professional development pathway 1.
Website
Director
Dustin K Smith, DOProgram Director Appointed Since December 2020Coordinator
Program
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-Location
Jacksonville, FL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Jacksonville, FL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Jacksonville, FL, has a moderate crime rate, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher crime levels. It is essential to research specific areas before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Jacksonville offers a variety of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and diverse dining options. Residents can enjoy water sports, golfing, and nature parks.
- Climate: Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city can experience occasional hurricanes and thunderstorms due to its coastal location.
- Races and Population: Jacksonville has a diverse population with a mix of various races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural environment.
- Education: Jacksonville is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities for residents and offering a vibrant academic community.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Jacksonville is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Florida, with reasonable housing prices and overall living expenses.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Jacksonville is approximately a 2-hour drive away from Orlando and a 5-hour drive from Miami, making day trips to these bigger cities feasible for residents.
- Pros: Diverse cultural activities, affordable cost of living, proximity to beaches, and access to higher education institutions.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, potential weather challenges like hurricanes, and limited public transportation options.
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