Tower Health/Reading Hospital Program

The Reading Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program is dedicated to providing excellence in family medicine education for over 45 years and is ACGME accredited, with full Osteopathic Recognition. The program supports 24 residents, with eight new interns joining each year. Located in the suburban setting of West Reading, Pennsylvania, this program offers a robust educational experience in a welcoming community hospital environment, focusing on a diverse patient population and comprehensive clinical training.

The Family Health Care Center follows a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model that caters to a large, socially and medically complex patient population. Residents are involved in a busy family medicine inpatient service and a pediatric ward, exposing them to a diverse range of cases, including critical care, women’s health, and pediatrics as part of their training.

Curriculum Overview

Reading Hospital provides enhanced rotation experiences and ambulatory clinic training designed to reflect the realities of post-residency practice. The Family Health Care Center adheres to the 10+3 Building Blocks of High-Performing Academic Primary Care, while the “Clinic First” initiative focuses on innovative practice redesign. The clinic schedule follows a predictable 3:1/2:2 X+Y model, allowing residents to benefit from uninterrupted rotation experience in their first two years while prioritizing ambulatory training in the PGY-3 year.

Longitudinal experiences include Geriatric Care, Community Medicine, and Pre-Natal Care, as well as opportunities for specialized tracks in Population Health, Sports Medicine, and more. The program also emphasizes clinical procedures, including primary care dermatologic procedures, women’s health procedures, and behavioral health.

Research Opportunities and Scholarly Activity

The program encourages residents to engage in research, particularly through the Hanna Center for Primary Care Research, providing valuable learning experiences in a supportive environment. There is a commitment to a culture of scholarly excellence within the residency program, enabling residents to pursue various scholarly activities throughout their training.

Training Sites

Reading Hospital, a 697-bed nonprofit community teaching hospital, offers residents access to a busy emergency department and diverse clinical experiences. The Family Health Care Center has multidisciplinary features, including embedded behavioral health clinicians and clinical pharmacists, enhancing the patient care model.

Visa Support

The program is welcoming to international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorships for J-1 and H-1B visa candidates. While U.S. clinical experience is preferred, it is not a requirement for applicants.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are accepted through the AAMC ERAS platform, and candidates must provide a full application, including the Common Application Form, medical school transcripts, and relevant letters of recommendation. All applicants should be aware of the maximum eligibility criteria, including having no more than one board exam failure and being within three years of graduation from medical school.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a diverse faculty with extensive experience in various aspects of family medicine, dedicated to mentoring and guiding residents throughout their education. Faculty members focus on promoting a culture of communication and teamwork, essential for achieving the program's educational goals.

Community Engagement

The Reading Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program values service to its community. Through extensive volunteer opportunities, including street medicine for the homeless and healthcare for socially disadvantaged populations, residents gain insight into community health's importance and how to address healthcare disparities.

Living and Training Environment

Residents report a collegial and supportive atmosphere that prioritizes well-being and professional growth. The accessibility of amenities and facilities reduces the need for excessive travel, optimizing the residency experience.