Texas Tech University HSC El Paso Program

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers a comprehensive family medicine residency program designed to provide robust training for residents. Located in the diverse and vibrant city of El Paso, this ACGME-accredited program boasts a collaborative and supportive environment for medical education.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the family medicine residency program at Texas Tech El Paso is its geographical and cultural location along the United States-Mexico border. This unique setting enables residents to engage with a varied patient population with distinct healthcare challenges, including patients from both the U.S. and Mexico, offering them an opportunity to deal with a wide range of medical conditions, particularly rare and advanced diseases that may be less prevalent in other regions.1

The community of El Paso itself combines the amenities of a large metropolitan area with the intimacy of a small town. Residents develop strong relationships with the community they serve, enhancing their experience not only as healthcare providers but also as engaged members of a tight-knit environment.1

Curriculum Overview

The residency program includes a structured curriculum that spans three years and encompasses various block rotations totaling 13 four-week blocks per year. The core rotations are as follows:

PGY-1 Year

• Community Medicine – 6 weeks
• Emergency Medicine – 4 weeks
• Family Medicine Ambulatory – 4 weeks
• Family Medicine Ward – 8 weeks
• General Surgery Wards – 4 weeks
• Obstetrics – 8 weeks
• Night Float – 2 weeks
• Pediatric Nursery – 2 weeks
• Pediatric Ward – 4 weeks
• Radiology – 2 weeks
• Sports Medicine – 4 weeks

PGY-2 Year

• Ambulatory Pediatrics – 4 weeks
• Behavioral Science – 4 weeks
• Cardiology – 4 weeks
• Elective – 4 weeks
• Gynecology – 4 weeks
• Ophthalmology – 2 weeks
• Pediatric Emergency – 4 weeks
• Practice Management – 4 weeks
• Surgery Clinic – 4 weeks
• Intensive Care Unit – 2 weeks

PGY-3 Year

• Ambulatory Pediatrics – 4 weeks
• Board Review/Ambulatory – 4 weeks
• Elective – 16 weeks
• Endocrinology – 4 weeks
• Geriatrics/Palliative Care – 4 weeks
• Orthopedics – 4 weeks

Additional longitudinal experiences are integrated throughout the residency, focusing on essential skills including behavioral medicine, dermatology, and wellness initiatives.4

Rotations and Practice Sites

The residency program provides practical experiences through diverse practice sites including a state-of-the-art family medicine clinic located in northeast El Paso. The clinic serves as a primary practice site for residents and features facilities for patient care, including specialized areas for sports medicine. It implements a patient-centered medical home model and incorporates advanced imaging services supported by the University Medical Center of El Paso, the largest public hospital on the U.S.-Mexico border.5

Research Opportunities

Research represents a significant component of the education at Texas Tech El Paso, where the focus includes cancer screening and obesity treatment. Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities, guided by experienced faculty, which nurtures their involvement in scholarly pursuits.1

Special Application Requirements

To be eligible for the residency program, applicants must meet specific qualifications. These include graduation from a medical school accredited by the LCME or AOA, or from an international medical school, provided they have a valid ECFMG certificate and at least one year of U.S. clinical experience. The program is welcoming to both MD and DO graduates and does not require a minimum score for USMLE/COMLEX to apply or receive an interview, yet passing scores on Step 1 and Step 2 CK are needed for ranking.8

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The residency program is recognized for its inclusivity and is friendly to both U.S. osteopathic students and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program does sponsor visas for eligible residents, which is beneficial for foreign applicants seeking training in the U.S.7

Salary and Benefits

Residents are provided with a structured salary and benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. Vacation days are allocated based on the year of residency, with PGY-1 and PGY-2 receiving 15 days and PGY-3 receiving 20 days per year. CME allowance is also included from the second year onward.10

Curricular Tracks

The program offers unique curricular tracks such as Integrative Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Sports Medicine, which allow residents to specialize and enhance their training based on their interests.6