Residency Advisor

Program Overview

The Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Sacramento is a stand-alone, community-based program comprising 28 residents. It offers three distinct tracks, including a recently added Sutter Amador Rural Training Track. The initial year focuses on core inpatient training in Sacramento, after which resident clinical experiences extend to urban settings in Sacramento, the nearby city of Davis, or the rural areas of Amador County. Each training track operates under a separate match number for residency applications 1.

This program is designed to cultivate outstanding family physicians who possess superb clinical skills, a commitment to humanitarian values, and active community involvement. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the cultural and economic diversity of the service area to effectively cater to varied patient populations. Residents develop essential skills necessary for medical practice, including the management of electronic health records, patient-centered care, and coordination in multi-disciplinary health teams 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents in the Family Medicine Residency Program enhance their learning through a broad scope of clinical experiences. The first year includes inpatient training at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento (SMCS), a quaternary care hospital with a high volume of obstetric deliveries and advanced specialty care opportunities. Residents advance their training in subsequent years through outpatient continuity clinics and diversified clinical rotations designed to encompass the full spectrum of family medicine 3.

Specific clinical rotations include geriatrics, pediatrics, public health, musculoskeletal medicine, and addiction medicine, ensuring a comprehensive preparation for future independent practice. The longitudinal clinical curriculum supports residents in maintaining continuity with a panel of patients while also allowing them to explore elective rotation opportunities 3.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Distinctive features of the Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency include the combination of urban and rural training experiences that enhance clinical competence and foster a deeper understanding of diverse community health needs. The Amador track provides exposure to rural medicine, where residents engage with underserved populations and tackle unique health challenges 3. The program also offers opportunities for advanced training in osteopathic medicine for interested residents 2.

Research Opportunities

Resident involvement in research and scholarly activities is strongly encouraged. Various projects include investigations into health equity, community health interventions, and the integration of primary and behavioral health services. The program collaborates with local healthcare systems and universities to foster a culture of inquiry and innovation 3.

Visa Support

The Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program does not sponsor J1, H1B, or other types of visas, and therefore applicants who require visa sponsorship need to consider other options 4.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The residency program accepts applications exclusively through ERAS and has specific criteria for eligibility, including a requirement for U.S. or Canadian medical school graduation, or for international medical graduates, ECFMG certification. Only two attempts per USMLE or COMLEX Step exams are allowed 4.

While the program is competitive, it is considered friendly to both DO graduates and international medical graduates. A commitment to diversity and equity is integral to the selection process 4.

Salary and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive salary and benefits package, which is geared to support their training and personal well-being. The program places a strong emphasis on wellness and support, offering protected time for education, team-building activities, and personal development 5.

Community Engagement

The Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency strives to connect with the community, engaging residents with health initiatives that resonate with local needs. This includes collaboration with various community organizations to enhance healthcare access and address social determinants of health. The program hosts events and activities that encourage resident involvement with underserved populations, promoting advocacy and community service as part of their residency experience 3.

Concluding Thoughts

The Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program emphasizes comprehensive training tailored to meet the growing complexities of modern healthcare. Graduates are well-prepared to enter diverse practice settings, armed with the knowledge, experience, and community engagement skills crucial for their success in family medicine.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

8, 8, 8 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since January 1970

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

65hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$74,284

First Year Paid Vacation:

21 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

10 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

0.6X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

J1

YOG Cutoff:

5

Match History

1135120C0

2024

6 of 6

2023

5 of 6

2022

5 of 5

2021

5 of 5

2020

5 of 5

1135120C1

2024

2 of 2

2023

2 of 2

2022

2 of 2

2021

2 of 2

2020

2 of 2

Location

Sacramento, CA

Population
1,585,055
Income
$90,252
Education
35.1%
Employment
60.1%
Health
4.9%
Age
37

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Sacramento, CA

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Sacramento has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in certain areas known for higher crime rates. Overall, it's advisable to stay informed about the safety of the specific neighborhood you choose to live in.
  • Fun Activities: Sacramento offers a variety of outdoor activities due to its proximity to rivers, parks, and hiking trails. The city also has museums, art galleries, and a growing food scene. Additionally, it's home to the California State Fair and is near wine country.
  • Climate: Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
  • Races and Population: Sacramento is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities among its population, contributing to a rich cultural experience.
  • Education: Sacramento is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for higher education.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Sacramento is relatively high compared to other cities in California but is more affordable than some of the more expensive coastal cities.
  • Proximity to Larger Cities: Sacramento is located about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Francisco and is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from San Jose. You can easily explore larger metropolitan areas on weekends or during time off.
  • Pros: Proximity to outdoor activities, diverse population, cultural attractions.
  • Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and the summers can be extremely hot.

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