Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital is designed to train the next generation of family physicians in St. Petersburg, Florida. This program is ACGME-accredited and spans three years, during which eight residents each year are rigorously educated in the art and science of family medicine. Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital is a well-respected community hospital with a long-standing history, serving as a Level II trauma center and showing a commitment to high-quality care and medical education.

The program offers extensive training in various clinical settings, balancing both inpatient and outpatient experiences. Residents are taught to adapt and thrive in both community and academic hospital environments, fostering the skills needed to practice family medicine in diverse situations across the United States.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive exposure to the full spectrum of family medicine practice, starting with foundational inpatient and outpatient rotations during the first year. Interns will engage in various fields, including adult and pediatric emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and care in the newborn nursery. Subsequent years further expand on these experiences, allowing residents to tailor their training through electives and specialized rotations. Importantly, each resident maintains their own longitudinal continuity clinic throughout the program, fostering ongoing relationships with their patients over the three years of training.

Rotations

Rotations are a vital component of the residency experience at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. Interns participate in a comprehensive inpatient medicine rotation, which includes managing diverse patient populations in various medical and intensive care units. Pediatric training occurs primarily at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, where residents gain invaluable practical experience working alongside pediatric specialists. The program is structured to ensure that graduates are well equipped to provide excellent care across all age groups and conditions. Additional rotations in obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, emergency medicine, and behavioral medicine round out the training experience, allowing residents to encounter a wide variety of clinical situations and patient presentations.

Research and Teaching Opportunities

The Family Medicine Residency Program emphasizes the important relationship between education and teaching. Residents are encouraged to engage in teaching medical students and junior residents, complementing their clinical education with valuable educational experiences. This integration of teaching and learning not only enhances the educational environment but also cultivates a sense of community and collaboration among residents and faculty.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the most notable features of the program is its commitment to cultural competency and community engagement. The program’s mission includes diversifying the physician workforce and combating systemic bias, thereby improving patient outcomes. This focus on inclusivity creates a supportive and nurturing environment for all residents, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital receive a competitive salary structured across three years, increasing each year from $59,000 in the first year to $63,600 in the third year. All residents are entitled to 21 days of paid vacation, which includes six annual holidays. Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, medical liability insurance at no cost, and opportunities for reimbursement for educational travel expenses and exam fees.

Application Process

Applying to the program requires applicants to provide a complete application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Essential components of the application include a dean's letter, medical school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation, with a preference for USMLE scores of at least 220 on the first attempt. While the program does not sponsor visas, it welcomes DO and IMG candidates, and there is no specific limit on attempts for the USMLE exam. The application deadline is December 1, with a recommendation to submit materials early, as interview slots fill quickly.

Visa Sponsorship

Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital's Family Medicine Residency Program does not sponsor visas, which is an important consideration for international applicants. Therefore, all applicants must be able to secure a full and unrestricted medical license to practice in Florida.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program is highly competitive. It attracts applicants with strong academic backgrounds and interpersonal skills. Residents are expected to maintain a commitment to learning and collaboration, which fosters a healthy educational environment. Given the program’s emphasis on high-quality training and the diverse opportunities for clinical experience, it remains a coveted position for many prospective applicants.