Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center Program

The Southwest Health Family Medicine Residency Program is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience tailored for future family medicine physicians. Anchored by the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, the program offers residents the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and educational environment that prioritizes the needs of rural populations. The majority of patients come from rural communities in Mississippi and Louisiana, allowing residents to engage directly with the unique healthcare challenges these areas face 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum spans three years and comprises a diverse array of rotations. Each year, the curriculum is structured to progressively enhance clinical skills and knowledge, ensuring residents are prepared for independent practice upon completion.

Residents are engaged in multiple specialties including, but not limited 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 8 weeks (PGY-3)
• Various electives and selectives in specialties such as Dermatology, Urology, and more

In addition to clinical rotations, residents spend time in continuity clinics, emphasizing patient-centered care and the development of long-term patient relationships 3.

Program Benefits

The residency program offers several benefits to support residents 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 Medical License fees
• Malpractice insurance provided during residency
• Personal Time Off (PTO): 20 days each academic year covering vacations, holidays, and sick leaves
• Provision of two white lab coats at no extra cost

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

Competitive Application Process

Admission to the Family Medicine Residency Program is competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on several criteria, including their medical education, performance on USMLE or COMLEX, and letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors or past program directors. However, the program does express a commitment to inclusivity, welcoming applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, including osteopathic and international medical graduates.

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 osteopathic medicine
• International medical graduates must hold a current certificate from ECFMG or an unrestricted medical license in Mississippi
• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1 and 2, or COMLEX equivalent
• Applicants who graduated from medical school more than two years prior must have passed Step 3 prior to application 4.

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

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program prides itself on preparing residents to address health disparities in rural populations. This is achieved through a curriculum that emphasizes cultural competence, professionalism, and compassion. The program fosters a family-like atmosphere, providing comprehensive support tailored to the professional and personal well-being of its residents 2.

Community and Lifestyle

McComb, Mississippi, known for its welcoming atmosphere, boasts a rich blend of cultural opportunities, outdoor activities, and community engagement, making it an appealing location for residents. The city features various amenities, including restaurants, recreational parks, and a strong local arts culture, while the surrounding natural landscapes offer numerous outdoor pursuits. Residents are encouraged to integrate into the community, enhancing their professional as well as personal growth 4.