Sutter Health Rural Program

The Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for medical students interested in family medicine. The program has a dedicated Amador Track located in Jackson, California, designed to provide residents with comprehensive training combined with community-oriented care. This residency program follows a 1-2 model, meaning the first year is spent in a more urban setting in Sacramento, while the second and third years focus on rural practices in Amador County. This dual setting allows residents to develop skills pertinent to both urban and rural healthcare.

### Core Curriculum and Rotations

The first year of training occurs at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, which provides a robust foundation with access to various specialties and advanced care teams. Residents will start with inpatient rotations, covering essential areas like internal medicine and pediatrics. Following this training, the remaining residency years emphasize outpatient care in Jackson, where residents engage in a longitudinal curriculum. This innovative structure ensures that residents can build a stable panel of continuity patients within the Family Medicine Continuity Clinic located in Jackson, CA.

During the second and third years, training will include multiple outpatient experiences in fields such as geriatrics, pediatrics, addiction medicine, public health, and musculoskeletal care, as well as inpatient rotations at Sutter Amador Hospital, which has 52 licensed beds and is the only hospital serving Amador County. This exposure allows residents to experience what life is truly like as a practicing community physician.

### Research and Scholarly Activities

Sutter Health encourages resident engagement in research and scholarly activities. Throughout the program, residents can partake in various projects, including those focusing on community health issues such as postpartum depression prevention and substance use disorder management. Residents have access to significant resources and support from faculty to facilitate their involvement in meaningful research, further enhancing their educational experience.

### Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program is its commitment to the health of underserved populations. With the Amador Track's focus on serving a culturally diverse communities that often face unique health disparities, the program equips residents with the skills to address complex healthcare needs. The Sutter Health partnership with local community clinicians enriches the training experience and reflects the program's dedication to improving healthcare access.

The program also values a strong emphasis on Resident well-being. There are dedicated resources, including a full-time behavioral scientist, to ensure that residents have the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

### Community Engagement

Being situated in the scenic Sierra foothills, Jackson, CA, not only provides a beautiful training environment but also an active community where residents can engage in various outdoor activities, which helps to maintain a work-life balance. Opportunities for cultural engagement, family activities, and community involvement are abundant.

### Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates interested in applying, the program does not currently offer sponsorship for visas, including J1 or H1B types. Applicants must be graduates of LCME-accredited medical schools or ECFMG certified if they are from an international background.

### Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Sutter Health is competitive, welcoming graduates from both MD and DO backgrounds, and maintains a holistic review of applicants. Specific application requirements include the completion of USMLE or COMLEX Step I and Step II by the second attempt. Applicants should submit their applications via ERAS with components such as personal statements, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Each track requires a separate NRMP code for matching during the residency application process.

Overall, the Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency Program, particularly the Amador Track, stands out not only for its comprehensive curriculum and unique training opportunities but also for its commitment to fostering community-oriented, culturally competent physicians capable of making meaningful contributions to rural healthcare.