South Texas Health System GME Consortium Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at South Texas Health System GME Consortium is a newly established ACGME-accredited program located in Hidalgo County, Texas. It offers a three-year training track, accepting 10 residents annually with a total complement of 30 residents. The program aims to train diverse family medicine residents, equipping them with the skills necessary to deliver safe and equitable care, particularly to underserved populations.

The program's mission emphasizes educating residents to become master adaptive learners who are committed to comprehensive, holistic, and high-value patient care, with a focus on the health needs of their community.

Curriculum

The Family Medicine Residency Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that enables residents to develop their clinical skills progressively. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge while also preparing residents for the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam.

Residents experience a variety of rotations across different specialties, such as:

• Adult Inpatient Care
• Surgery
• Obstetrics and Newborn Care
• Pediatrics
• Behavioral Health
• Emergency Medicine

During their training, residents will also participate in a longitudinal experience that includes health system management, population health, and integrated behavioral healthcare. This comprehensive approach allows residents to engage in diverse clinical experiences that enhance their learning and prepare them for independent practice.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents rotate at three main sites: South Texas Health System McAllen, South Texas Health System Children’s, and South Texas Health System Heart. Each of these facilities is recognized for excellence in patient care and safety, creating an ideal learning environment for residents. The Family Health Center of Mission serves as the continuity clinic where residents provide patient-centered primary care, further honing their clinical skills.

Research and Unique Aspects

One of the distinguishing features of this program is its emphasis on Lifestyle Medicine. This involves integrating evidence-based lifestyle behavior interventions to aid residents in becoming proficient in promoting healthy living among patients, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Upon fulfilling the curriculum requirements, residents are eligible to sit for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification exam.

Moreover, the program fosters collaborative team-based care, allowing residents to work with diverse colleagues and health professionals. The commitment to serving the underrepresented means that training includes addressing health disparities within the local population.

Salaries and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Paid time off (PTO) is provided, allowing for four weeks of vacation annually, as well as benefits that cover medical, parental, and caregiver leaves when necessary. Educational and professional liability insurance is also included, alongside allowances for clothing and meals during work hours.

Wellness Program

The program places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its residents, understanding the demanding nature of residency training. Various resources are available to support mental and physical health, including access to counseling services, wellness activities, and an annual retreat focused on team-building and self-care strategies.

Application Process and Requirements

The Family Medicine Residency Program offers 10 positions each year. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as the program does not currently sponsor visas. The application must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), containing a common application form, CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical school, be ECFMG certified if an international graduate, and have passed the USMLE or COMLEX examinations within three attempts and within seven years. Additionally, applicants must register for the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) as participation is a requirement.

Competitiveness

This residency program fosters an inclusive environment and actively encourages applications from a diverse pool of candidates, including those who may be underrepresented in medicine. The admission process is competitive, aimed at identifying applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved populations and a passion for primary care.