St Vincent's Medical Center Program

Ascension St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Residency Program in Jacksonville, Florida, is recognized as one of the premier Family Medicine training programs in the state. This program is designed to promote an educational atmosphere that emphasizes full-spectrum family care and provides residents with the necessary skills and experiences to excel as primary care physicians.

Program Overview

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension St. Vincent’s began in 1972 and accepts ten residents annually into its three-year curriculum. The program is accredited by the Family Medicine Residency Review Committee and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A noteworthy aspect of this program is the availability of an optional Osteopathic Track, which has obtained Osteopathic Recognition from the ACGME. Graduates of this track are eligible for board certification from both the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice (AOBFP).1

Educational Structure

Residents are encouraged to pursue an Area of Concentration (AOC) during the last two years of training, thereby allowing them to develop specialized skills in fields such as Advanced Obstetrics, Sports Medicine, Palliative/Hospice Medicine, and Hospital Medicine. This flexibility helps tailor the residency experience to the interests and career goals of each individual resident.1

Clinical Experience

The Family Medicine Center is the primary training site for this residency program, handling nearly 38,000 office visits each year. The center is equipped with modern facilities, including 36 exam rooms, procedure rooms for dermatologic procedures and colposcopy, an ultrasound room, and resident work areas. The residency program prides itself on providing comprehensive training, encompassing both outpatient and inpatient medicine across a diverse patient population.1

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a faculty of fifteen full-time physicians dedicated to resident education. Faculty members include not only Family Medicine physicians but also specialists in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Clinical Psychology, and Clinical Pharmacy. This diverse faculty composition enhances the learning environment and ensures that residents receive holistic training in various aspects of family medicine. Residents have the advantage of working closely with faculty and receive continuous monitoring and feedback, promoting their professional development.1

Locations and Facilities

Ascension St. Vincent’s HealthCare operates multiple hospitals, urgent care centers, and ambulatory centers across the Jacksonville area. The Family Medicine Center, located near Ascension St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside, simulates a private practice environment, providing relevant experiences in ambulatory care while addressing the healthcare needs of diverse patient demographics.1

Application Process and Requirements

For those interested in applying to the residency program, specific application requirements must be met. The program is competitive and welcomes both MD and DO graduates. A Family Medicine Clerkship or Externship is available for third and fourth-year medical students, offering valuable exposure to the program's operations through both inpatient and outpatient settings. Applicants must be in good standing at their medical schools and will need appropriate verification of medical malpractice coverage as part of their application process.2

Visa Support and Diversity

The program is noted for being friendly towards both DO and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), enhancing diversity within the residency cohort. Visa sponsorship is available, particularly for J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing qualified international applicants to participate in the residency training program.1

Community Impact

The program engages actively in community service and provides substantial support for underprivileged populations. Ascension St. Vincent's HealthCare contributed over $75 million in community benefit in a recent fiscal year, reflecting its commitment to accessible healthcare for all individuals, particularly those in poverty and underserved communities.1