Prime West Consortium Program

Family Medicine Residency Program Overview

The San Dimas Hospital and Desert Valley Hospital Family Medicine Residency is a newly accredited program designed for 24 residents, offering comprehensive, full-spectrum training essential for graduates to pursue diverse career paths within family medicine. The program emphasizes high-quality training and education, focusing on building a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where residents can cultivate the skills necessary to thrive as family medicine physicians. The program is affiliated with the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM), and training takes place primarily at San Dimas Community Hospital, situated in Los Angeles County, as well as Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville. This exposure allows residents to work with a diverse patient population, gaining insight into health disparities across different socioeconomic conditions 1.

Mission and Values

The mission of the Prime West Consortium San Dimas Community Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program is to provide a well-rounded educational experience, equipping resident physicians to become competent hospitalists, primary care physicians, and specialists. The program is committed to addressing socio-economic disparities, enhancing healthcare access, and increasing the number of physicians in the surrounding communities. The core values include fostering a humanistic environment that encourages wellness and inspires residents to promote change through responsible, innovative, and compassionate care. The program actively seeks a diverse resident cohort that reflects the community and aims to build a robust recruitment pipeline to support the local healthcare workforce 1.

Residency Curriculum

The curriculum for the Family Medicine Residency consists of a structured block schedule that spans 13 blocks per year, with each block lasting four weeks. Residents are provided with 16 days of paid time off, which can be utilized during outpatient rotations. The anticipated rotations per year include:

• PGY-I: Ambulatory Clinic, Emergency Medicine, Inpatient Medicine, Cardiology, Obstetrics/Newborn, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, and Family Medicine Clinic.
• PGY-II: Psychiatry/Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine, Nephrology, Ambulatory Clinic & Community Medicine, Medicine – Inpatient, Night Float, and elective rotations.
• PGY-III: Geriatrics, Ambulatory Clinic & Health Systems, Medicine – Inpatient, Night Float, Pediatrics, and elective rotations.

This diverse and comprehensive curriculum is designed not only to prepare residents for board exams but to ensure they are well-equipped for a variety of clinical settings, emphasizing evidence-based, cost-effective, and patient-centered care 1.

Diversity and Community Engagement

The residency program aims to reflect the diversity present in the community, actively recruiting from local populations and creating opportunities for advancement within the program. By fostering educational pathways for underrepresented groups, the program aspires to inspire local high school and medical students to pursue careers in primary care and return to serve the community as practicing physicians. Various initiatives aim to promote health education, mentorship, and support for students from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the institution's commitment to community health 1.

Program Benefits

Residents participating in this program benefit from competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. The stipend for residents is structured as follows: PGY-1: $68,640; PGY-2: $70,720; PGY-3: $72,800 annually. Additional benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and training. The program also prioritizes wellness and personal growth, providing a supportive environment for residents to flourish 1.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The application process for the San Dimas Family Medicine Residency is competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program values diversity and clinical excellence, seeking candidates who are passionate about serving underserved populations. Some special application requirements may include the year of graduation and the performance in the USMLE/COMLEX examinations; specifics about maximum failed attempts may be outlined separately. The program supports visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants, ensuring that a broader spectrum of candidates can apply and contribute to the residency program 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The residency program encourages residents to engage in research and scholarly activities aimed at improving patient care quality and outcomes. Support is provided throughout the research process, enabling residents to participate in community-based studies and contribute to academic literature. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and the importance of addressing healthcare obstacles faced by the community 1.