Temple University Hospital/Chestnut Hill Hospital Program

Chestnut Hill Family Medicine Residency is part of Temple University Hospital, located in a charming neighborhood of Philadelphia. This program offers a robust community-based curriculum within an urban environment that focuses on the holistic well-being of patients. The program prides itself on its ability to blend biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences, fostering long-term relationships between patients and physicians, and advocating comprehensively for all patients 1.

With a commitment to cultivating future leaders in family medicine, Chestnut Hill Family Medicine aims to train residents in a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes mentorship and community service. The program participates in varied outreach initiatives, providing care to underserved populations and engaging in preventive health efforts throughout Philadelphia 2.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is designed to provide extensive training across multiple aspects of family medicine. Residents undergo a two-week rotation system inclusive of a Night Float 4. The curriculum includes rotations in various clinical environments such as:

• Chestnut Hill Hospital
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Redeemer Health
• St. Christopher’s Pediatric Hospital
• St. Joseph’s Villa Nursing Home

This diverse exposure allows residents to develop a comprehensive set of clinical skills and competencies essential for a successful career in family medicine.

Unique Program Features

One of the distinguishing aspects of the Chestnut Hill Family Medicine Residency is its dedication to resident wellness and community involvement. The program features:

• Excellent faculty, including board-certified family practitioners and a behavioral therapist.
• A wellness curriculum providing monthly support groups, reflective writing, and team-building activities.
• Outreach initiatives focused on medical and wound care, overdose prevention education, and naloxone distribution.
• Longitudinal geriatrics curriculum, embracing home care and hospice experiences.
• A resident student teaching program to foster educational skills.
• Opportunities for international electives.

Moreover, the program has a large and varied patient population, providing residents with a rich learning environment on the hospital campus 3.

Resident Support and Benefits

Chestnut Hill Family Medicine offers a competitive benefits package to its residents, which includes:

• Annual stipends for residents starting at $65,956.80 in their first year, increasing each subsequent year.
• Free meals during on-call shifts and provision of lab coats.
• Discounts for textbooks and gym memberships, alongside access to excellent fitness facilities.
• A supportive community that emphasizes a work-life balance with numerous recreational and dining opportunities nearby 3.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to support international medical graduates, specifically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types for residents who require visa assistance. This inclusivity enhances the program's diversity and broadens its educational perspectives.

Application Competitiveness

The application process for the Chestnut Hill Family Medicine Residency is considered competitive but is known to be welcoming to both DO and IMG candidates. The program values diverse backgrounds and experiences among applicants, ensuring a holistic review in the selection process. Specific requirements such as a reasonable maximum number of failed STEP exams are taken into account during admissions. Additionally, applicants are encouraged regardless of their graduation year, promoting a wide spectrum of candidates 2.

Resident Experiences

Current residents describe their experience at Chestnut Hill as supportive and community-oriented, often emphasizing the genuine camaraderie among peers and faculty. They appreciate the program's commitment to ensuring resident well-being and the collaborative approach to patient care 5.