Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center Program

The Southwest Health Family Medicine Residency Program isdesigned to provide a comprehensive training experience tailoredfor future family medicine physicians. Anchored by the SouthwestMississippi Regional Medical Center, the program offers residentsthe opportunity to thrive in a supportive and educationalenvironment that prioritizes the needs of rural populations. Themajority of patients come from rural communities in Mississippi andLouisiana, allowing residents to engage directly with the uniquehealthcare challenges these areas face 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum spans three years and comprises adiverse array of rotations. Each year, the curriculum is structuredto progressively enhance clinical skills and knowledge, ensuringresidents are prepared for independent practice uponcompletion.

Residents are engaged in multiple specialties including, but notlimited to:

• Inpatient medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Pediatrics
• Geriatric care
• Obstetrics
• General surgery

The specific rotations include:

• Family Medicine Foundations – 4 weeks (PGY-1)
• Ambulatory Pediatrics – 4 weeks (PGY-1 & PGY-2)
• Inpatient Pediatrics – 4 weeks (PGY-1 & PGY-2)
• Cardiology – 4 weeks (PGY-1)
• Inpatient Medicine – 12 weeks (PGY-1); 12 weeks (PGY-2); and 8weeks (PGY-3)
• Various electives and selectives in specialties such asDermatology, Urology, and more

In addition to clinical rotations, residents spend time incontinuity clinics, emphasizing patient-centered care and thedevelopment of long-term patient relationships 3.

Program Benefits

The residency program offers several benefits to supportresidents throughout their training:

• Base Salary:
• PGY-1: $55,000
• PGY-2: $57,500
• PGY-3: $60,000
• Professional dues for membership in relevant organizations(e.g., American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Licensure support through coverage for Mississippi MedicalLicense fees
• Malpractice insurance provided during residency
• Personal Time Off (PTO): 20 days each academic year coveringvacations, holidays, and sick leaves
• Provision of two white lab coats at no extra cost

Additionally, the program encourages a healthy work-life balancewhile fostering a strong bond among residents 4.

Competitive Application Process

Admission to the Family Medicine Residency Program iscompetitive. Applicants are evaluated based on several criteria,including their medical education, performance on USMLE or COMLEX,and letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors or pastprogram directors. However, the program does express a commitmentto inclusivity, welcoming applications from candidates with diversebackgrounds, including osteopathic and international medicalgraduates.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Graduation from an LCME-accredited medical school in the U.S.or Canada, or an AOA-accredited college of osteopathicmedicine
• International medical graduates must hold a current certificatefrom ECFMG or an unrestricted medical license in Mississippi
• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1 and 2, or COMLEXequivalent
• Applicants who graduated from medical school more than twoyears prior must have passed Step 3 prior to application4.

Notably, the program does not sponsor visas, which limitsparticipation to those who are already authorized to work in theU.S. on a full-time basis.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center FamilyMedicine Residency Program prides itself on preparing residents toaddress health disparities in rural populations. This is achievedthrough a curriculum that emphasizes cultural competence,professionalism, and compassion. The program fosters a family-likeatmosphere, providing comprehensive support tailored to theprofessional and personal well-being of its residents2.

Community and Lifestyle

McComb, Mississippi, known for its welcoming atmosphere, boastsa rich blend of cultural opportunities, outdoor activities, andcommunity engagement, making it an appealing location forresidents. The city features various amenities, includingrestaurants, recreational parks, and a strong local arts culture,while the surrounding natural landscapes offer numerous outdoorpursuits. Residents are encouraged to integrate into the community,enhancing their professional as well as personal growth4.