Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center/St Joseph Program

The Family and Community Medicine Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which admits eight residents annually. This residency is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to training future family physicians in a supportive academic environment, focusing on patient care, education, scholarship, and community service.

Program Overview

The Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State Health was established in 1967 as the first such department within an academic medical center in the United States. The program aims to produce well-rounded family physicians who are equipped to handle the complexities of modern healthcare. Residents benefit from a robust curriculum and the mentorship of accomplished faculty members.

Curriculum Details

The program's curriculum emphasizes diverse clinical experiences, engaging both family medicine specialists and experts from other medical disciplines. It encompasses areas such as health systems management, quality improvement, population health, and community advocacy projects. Residents are encouraged to develop a personalized education pathway through elective rotations and areas of concentration, aligning their training with specific career interests.

Areas of Concentration

Residents have the option to focus on specific interests, including:

• Academic Medicine
• Care of the Marginalized Patient
• Global Health
• Hospital Medicine
• Leadership and Advocacy
• Sports Medicine
• Women's Health

These areas allow residents to deepen their expertise and prepare for niche roles within family medicine.

Training Sites

The program utilizes multiple clinical sites to expose residents to a comprehensive range of patient experiences. Key training sites include:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: A leading academic medical center providing a high level of care across specialties, including a tertiary care referral system.
• Penn State Health Medical Group – Nyes Road: Close to Harrisburg, offering a blend of outpatient care with family medicine attending physicians and various specialties.
• Penn State Health Medical Group – Fishburn Road: Located near the medical center, this site supports diverse training experiences in areas like sports medicine and geriatrics.

Additionally, residents engage with underserved populations through participation in free clinics and community health initiatives.

Rotations

The residency structure includes a variety of rotations throughout the three years, with focused experiences in different medical areas:

PGY-1 Rotations

• Orientation
• Adult Inpatient Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Sports Medicine
• Elective

PGY-2 Rotations

• Adult Inpatient Medicine
• Medical Intensive Care
• Ambulatory Pediatrics
• Gynecology
• Elective

PGY-3 Rotations

• Longitudinal Management
• Elective Rotations
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Each of these rotations is designed to build on knowledge and skills progressively, preparing residents for independent practice.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The program places a strong emphasis on scholarly activity, encouraging residents to engage in research as part of their training. Residents receive mentorship in research methodology, gaining skills in project development and presentation, with opportunities to publish their findings in medical journals.

Resident Input and Governance

Resident voice and feedback are integral to program development. Regular meetings with program directors and participation in committees allow residents to influence curricular design and residency standards.

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

The program actively promotes diversity and inclusion within its training environment. It engages in initiatives to foster a welcoming atmosphere for all residents, with specific focus groups and outreach programs to support under-represented groups in medicine.

Visa and Application Process

The program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and sponsors J-1 visas for non-U.S. applicants. Key eligibility criteria include:

• Graduation from medical school within the last three years
• Passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2 (with no more than one failure on any exam)
• Prior clinical experience in the U.S. or Canada
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one from a family physician

Wellness Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of well-being in physician training, the program incorporates wellness initiatives that address emotional, physical, and social health. Regular retreats and wellness discussions are integral to the residency experience, promoting resilience among residents.

Benefits and Living in Hershey

The Hershey area offers an appealing lifestyle, characterized by a low cost of living and access to various recreational activities. Residents are provided with meal cards for dining options on campus, enhancing life outside of clinical responsibilities.