Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, provides a comprehensive training curriculum aimed at developing competent and confident family physicians capable of serving military personnel and their families. The program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), is structured over three years of rigorous training, emphasizing both clinical excellence and the operational readiness of military medical forces.

Curriculum Overview: The program is meticulously designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of primary care within the military context. Residents undergo a series of rotations that span various disciplines, including Inpatient Medicine, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. Each year consists of distinct rotations that progressively increase in complexity and responsibility. For instance, in the first year, residents spend 12 weeks in Adult Inpatient rotations and 8 weeks in Obstetrics, while the second year further delves into specialized fields such as Intensive Care and Pediatrics Clinic rotations.

Rotations and Didactics: The rotation schedule is designed to ensure residents receive in-depth clinical exposure across subspecialties and settings. In the first year (PGY-1), residents participate in a total of 32 weeks across different specialties. In the second year (PGY-2), an emphasis is placed on adult inpatient care and various electives, followed by a final year (PGY-3) that allows for greater autonomy and specialized outpatient clinics.

Didactic sessions are a key component of the curriculum, where residents learn from faculty, specialty physicians, and peers through structured lectures and case discussions. Monthly morbidity and mortality reports and journal clubs are integral to fostering reflective practice and clinical improvement.

Unique Aspects of the Program: One of the distinguishing features of this program is its emphasis on operational medicine, specifically tailored to meet the rigorous demands of military medicine. All residents experience a unique operational medicine curriculum that includes direct interactions with military operational units. Moreover, the program boasts pioneering fellowship opportunities with a Family Medicine-Obstetrics Fellowship, alongside a Sports Medicine Fellowship that integrates training with the U.S. Marines, promoting readiness and operational support.

Research and Quality Improvement: Engagement in research is encouraged throughout the residency. Each resident is required to complete a scholarly activity that could involve published research or quality improvement projects. This provides candidates with essential skills in both inquiry and the implementation of health care improvements.

Teaching Dynamics: The training program also places significant importance on teaching capabilities. As residents progress through their training, they are encouraged to take on teaching roles, facilitating didactic sessions and leading clinical teams, thereby enhancing the educational environment for medical students rotating in the program.

Well-Being: Recognizing the intense demands placed upon residents, the program offers dedicated wellness initiatives, including reflective practice, biannual retreats, and town hall meetings to address resident concerns. These initiatives are aimed at promoting overall well-being and reducing burnout among trainees.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements: The Family Medicine Residency Program at Camp Lejeune is regarded as competitive, welcoming both U.S. Medical Students and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Candidates are encouraged to present strong academic records and relevant clinical experiences. While there are no explicit maximum limits on STEP failure, candidates are typically expected to exhibit a focus on improvement and commitment to their medical education journey.

Visa Support: The program offers visa sponsorship, supporting J-1 Visa holders, which is particularly valuable for International Medical Graduates. This enables diverse candidates from across the globe to apply and train within the program, enriching the learning environment with a variety of perspectives.

Participation and Eligibility for Medical Students: Medical students from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) candidates are invited to engage in clerkships, wherein they participate in inpatient and outpatient medicine, and sports medicine clinics, further enhancing their learning and clinical skills. Currently, there is no requirement for additional degrees concurrent with training, making the program accessible to all qualified applicants eager to enter the Family Medicine discipline.

This highly comprehensive training landscape at Camp Lejeune is structured to cultivate family physicians who are not only well-versed in clinical competencies but also equipped with the leadership and personal skills needed to thrive in the military healthcare system.