Spokane Teaching Health Center/Sacred Heart Medical Center Program

Family Medicine Residency Spokane is dedicated to the training of the next generation of family medicine physicians. The program provides a comprehensive educational experience, enabling residents to excel at caring for patients across diverse populations and communities. The program is ACGME-accredited and supports the development of resourceful, compassionate family physicians equipped to provide longitudinal primary care, particularly to underserved rural and urban populations. Emphasis is placed on improving access to evidence-based healthcare within a supportive learning environment.

A Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum at this program has been designed to meet the cognitive and procedural demands of family physicians. The three-year program emphasizes hands-on experience across various clinical settings, supported by passionate faculty and dedicated residents. The first year includes rotations in introductory family medicine, inpatient pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency medicine, and outpatient specialties. In subsequent years, residents participate in outpatient continuity clinics and diverse electives, gaining comprehensive training in the full spectrum of family medicine, including areas such as musculoskeletal medicine and geriatrics.3

Clinical Rotations

Residents participate in a variety of robust rotations, including:

• Inpatient Medicine: Providing care in both family medicine and internal medicine panels, developing skills in managing complex cases.
• Obstetrics: An increasing level of responsibility is integrated throughout the three years, with ample opportunities for deliveries, including cesarean sections. OB Track residents gain extensive clinical experience supported by fellows and faculty.
• Pediatrics: Offered through inpatient and outpatient services, residents gain experience in both acute and longitudinal pediatric care.
• Emergency Medicine: Rotations cover both pediatric and adult emergency settings, allowing residents to develop skills in acute care.
• Rural Training Track: Residents have the opportunity to rotate at the Colville site, providing invaluable rural family medicine experience for a month each year.1

Unique Program Aspects

This program prides itself on a collaborative, community-integrated training approach within a medical neighborhood model. The Spokane Teaching Health Clinic (STHC) offers an extensive clinical experience, combining family medicine with specialties in psychiatry and internal medicine. The facility houses diverse resources, including a full-service in-house lab, counseling services, and specialty medicine clinics.3

Interdisciplinary Learning Environment

Residents interact closely with various healthcare professionals, including students from pharmacy and social work programs. This collaboration enriches the learning environment and prepares residents to work effectively in diverse team settings.5

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, providing access to resources through the University of Washington's WWAMI network. Alumni have successfully participated in scholarly activities and have seen favorable outcomes in their respective careers in family medicine.

Program Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This program is known to be highly competitive and particularly amenable to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. Among the application prerequisites:

• Completion of the ERAS application
• Personal statement detailing interests in family medicine
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a family physician
• Academic USMLE or COMLEX scores with a maximum of one failed attempt permitted
• Medical school graduation within the last two years
• Citizenship or permanent resident status, as the program does not sponsor visas.

The program applies strict inclusion criteria, which necessitate US citizenship and successful completion of core clerkships without excessive failures. Interviews typically take place in November and December, with a quick application review process once received via ERAS.2

Visa Support

There is no visa sponsorship for applicants, which can restrict international medical graduates from applying unless they hold citizenship or permanent residency in the United States. This program primarily focuses on applicants who meet the strict eligibility criteria to ensure compliance with licensing requirements for practice in Washington State.4

Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to the comprehensive residency program, Family Medicine Residency Spokane offers fellowship training in Obstetrics and Sports Medicine. The obstetrics fellowship is designed for family physicians wishing to gain specialized training in managing high-risk obstetrics and surgical skills. The fellowship incorporates an extensive set of rotations and hands-on training, including opportunities to teach and mentor residents.6

The program remains committed to providing an educational experience that forms well-rounded family medicine practitioners capable of providing exceptional care to diverse global and local communities.