Jul 1, 2004
University at Buffalo Program
Overview
The Family Medicine Residency program at the University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is noted as the second oldest of its kind in the United States. The program emphasizes a commitment to educational excellence and aims to prepare residents for the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. As New York State’s largest family medicine residency, the program offers three distinct training tracks along with a concentration in global health and academic faculty development, allowing residents to tailor their training to their career aspirations.
1Training Tracks
Each of the training tracks enables residents to follow a panel of patients throughout their residency, supervised by experienced faculty who provide personalized mentorship. This approach ensures that residents gain substantial hands-on experience while developing their clinical skills.1Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking and sound medical decision-making. It comprises core rotations that cover both procedural skills and comprehensive clinical care training. Additionally, the program integrates conferences and seminars, serving as a foundation for practicing evidence-based family medicine and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. There is a significant emphasis on board review throughout the didactic curriculum to support residents during their examinations.1Electives
Residents are given four and a half months dedicated to electives, providing ample opportunity to explore and refine their clinical interests. This flexibility allows residents to choose from a wide array of electives or work with faculty to develop tailor-made experiences that align with their professional goals, including research initiatives.1Clinical Sites
The program's affiliations with numerous clinical sites provide residents with a varied training environment that includes large academic hospitals, health centers, and smaller neighborhood clinics. This diverse exposure prepares graduates to handle the complexities of primary care in various clinical settings.1Research Opportunities
The program values scholarly work highly and offers access to a Primary Care Research Institute designed to support resident-led research projects. This facility encourages residents to publish and present their research, thereby fostering a culture of inquiry and a commitment to academic excellence.1Living in Buffalo
Buffalo itself is characterized as an affordable community, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and welcoming environment. The city experiences four distinct seasons, allowing residents to enjoy various recreational activities throughout the year. The low cost of living compared to national averages makes it an attractive location for many residents.1Visa Support
The program is known to support international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants, making it an accessible option for those from diverse backgrounds. It provides sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified candidates from various countries can pursue their medical education in the program.1Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is competitive, welcoming applicants with diverse qualifications, including those from osteopathic backgrounds and IMGs. Specific application requirements include limitations on the number of failed Step exams and the year of graduation from medical school, ensuring that applicants maintain a standard of academic excellence.1Alumni Accomplishments
Graduates from the program have progressed into prominent roles including leadership positions within healthcare organizations, academic appointments, and specialized practices across diverse fields of medicine such as sports medicine and geriatrics. This highlights the program’s success in preparing residents for fulfilling careers following their training.1Conclusion
Overall, the Family Medicine Residency program at the University at Buffalo provides a structured yet flexible educational environment with strong support for both clinical training and research. From a diverse curriculum to robust alumni success, the program equips residents to thrive in their future careers while making a positive impact on the community around them.1Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 28, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $77,016 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:5 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Location
Buffalo, NY [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Buffalo, NY
Crime Rate and Safety
Buffalo has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, but certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's advisable to research specific areas before choosing a place to live.
Fun Activities
Buffalo offers a wide range of entertainment options including world-class dining, cultural events, sports games, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains.
Climate
Buffalo experiences all four seasons with cold and snowy winters, pleasant summers, and beautiful fall foliage.
Races and Population
Buffalo is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and ethnicities contributing to its vibrant community.
Education
Buffalo is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for educational advancement and cultural enrichment.
Cost of Living
Buffalo has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the Northeast.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Buffalo is approximately a 6-hour drive from New York City and a 4-hour drive from Toronto, Canada, providing easy access to these major urban centers.
Pros
- Affordable cost of living
- diverse cultural scene
- proximity to major cities.
Cons
- Higher crime rate in some areas
- harsh winters.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1273531084
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US3611000
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr