North Country HealthCare Program

Overview of the Family Medicine Residency Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at North Country HealthCare, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, aims to train skilled family physicians dedicated to serving underserved and rural populations. The program is grounded in a mission to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare and emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for all patients. With a strong foundation in community health, the program prepares residents to serve in the primary care workforce, particularly in rural northern Arizona, for the duration of three years of training.

As part of the North Country HealthCare system, which operates as a federally qualified health center and has served diverse rural communities in northern Arizona for nearly 25 years, residents will engage in transformative clinical experiences. They will learn to care for high-needs patients within a safety net health system, being supported by a dedicated team of staff and interdisciplinary health professionals.

Curriculum

The curriculum is robust and designed to provide a comprehensive education across a variety of medical disciplines essential for modern family practice. The three-year program balances essential family medicine training with opportunities for enhanced learning in specific areas of interest. This includes an emphasis on population health and the unique dynamics faced in serving rural and medically underserved communities.

In addition to clinical training, the program incorporates wellness initiatives for residents, addressing the significant aspect of physician burnout. Furthermore, a specific training track focuses on osteopathic medicine, allowing residents to integrate Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) effectively into their patient care. The osteopathic training features didactic sessions, hands-on training, and continuity clinics.

Rotation Schedule

The Family Medicine Residency Program includes a well-structured rotation schedule to ensure residents gain comprehensive experiences across various medical settings. The PGY-1 year involves rotations in:

• Inpatient Family Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Surgery
• Pediatrics and Newborn Care
• Urgent Care
• Community Medicine

As residents progress to PGY-2 and PGY-3, they will have opportunities for specialized rotations in fields such as emergency medicine, geriatrics, orthopedic surgery, and pediatrics, among others, solidifying their competencies across a spectrum of critical care areas.

Rotation Sites

North Country HealthCare serves as the primary training site, particularly at the Flagstaff 4th Street location, which hosts integrated health services like pharmacy, behavioral medicine, and dental services. Additional clinical experiences are provided at various sites, including:

• Flagstaff Medical Center
• Kingman Regional Medical Center
• Tuba City Regional Healthcare Corporation
• Banner Children’s at Desert

These locations ensure a broad range of patient encounters, giving residents both inpatient and outpatient experiences within diverse settings, including community hospitals and health centers aimed at addressing the needs of Native American communities.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to nurturing the next generation of family physicians. Faculty members include specialists in family medicine, osteopathic medicine, and public health, who bring a wealth of knowledge to the training environment. Residents are encouraged to engage closely with faculty to cultivate their clinical skills through mentoring and feedback.

Resident Life

Life as a resident at the North Country HealthCare Family Medicine Residency Program is enriched by the vibrant community in Flagstaff, known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural diversity, and active lifestyle. Residents are supported with resources that promote work-life balance and professionalism in managing their training obligations alongside personal interests.

Salaries and Benefits

The residency program offers competitive salaries which increase incrementally from PGY-1 through PGY-3, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, educational allowances, and opportunities for professional development through conferences and workshops.

Application Requirements

To apply to the Family Medicine Residency Program, candidates must meet specific criteria. Eligible applicants must be graduates of accredited medical schools by the anticipated start date, specifically those graduating in 2024 or 2025. Additionally, candidates must have passed either the USMLE or COMLEX examinations. Each application must include three letters of reference and a personal statement. Importantly, the program does not support J-1 visa sponsorship.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Family Medicine Residency Program is designed to be welcoming and accessible to a diverse pool of applicants, including those from osteopathic backgrounds and international medical graduates. The program values inclusivity and seeks applicants who demonstrate a commitment to education and community service.