University at Buffalo Rural Program

The Family Medicine Residency Rural 1-2 Track at the University at Buffalo is designed to train residents who are dedicated to serving medically underserved populations. This unique program combines urban training in a university setting with immersive rural training to create family practitioners equipped to meet diverse healthcare needs.

Program Structure

The residency begins with 8 months of urban training followed by 28 months of rural training in Olean, NY, which is an unopposed setting. This structure allows for an extensive range of clinical experiences before transitioning to a rural-focused practice. The program emphasizes a personalized approach to training, where each resident’s goals and needs are considered and reflected in their training plan 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is geared towards fostering a full-scope practice that emphasizes comprehensive care of patients. It includes a strong focus on serving underserved populations. Key components include:

- Extensive clinical training in both rural and urban environments.

- Rotations in various specialty areas to provide a rounded education.

- Skills training in evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives across the family medicine spectrum 1.

Clinical Training Sites

Residents train in a variety of clinical sites ranging from small rural community practices to larger urban medical centers. The diversity of the training locations contributes to a broad skill set, allowing residents to approach patient care from multiple perspectives 1.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages research engagement and scholarly activities. Faculty assist residents in developing skills related to conducting evidence-based investigations and quality improvement projects. Residents are encouraged to participate in relevant research to expand their knowledge and contribute to the field of family medicine 1.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers salaries that are competitive and often supplemented by benefits. Residents at UB receive additional financial advantages that reflect positively on their overall compensation. For accurate comparisons, it is recommended to add $4,000 to $5,000 to the base salary to account for the effective salary 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, reflecting its reputation and quality of training. It is also friendly to DOs and IMGs, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds. Although specific prerequisites may apply, such as no more than a certain number of failed STEP exams, these details should be confirmed with the application procedure as they may change 1.

Visa Support

The Family Medicine Residency Rural Program provides visa sponsorship options for eligible candidates. Specific visa types available may include J-1 and H-1B visas which support international medical graduates hoping to train in the United States 1.

Community and Extra-Curricular Involvement

The program encourages involvement in community outreach through various initiatives, such as the Well Health Clinic dedicated to assisting women impacted by various social issues, including substance use. This illustrates the program's commitment to socially-relevant medical training and community service, preparing residents to be advocates for vulnerable populations 1.

Special Training Emphasis

From addiction medicine to pediatrics, the curriculum offers elective opportunities allowing residents to tailor their learning experiences. The program promotes harm reduction strategies and actively engages with community organizations, strengthening interdisciplinary relationships and collaborative care opportunities 1.

Conclusion

Overall, the Family Medicine Residency Rural 1-2 Track at the University at Buffalo provides a comprehensive, personalized training experience characterized by a commitment to community and patient-centered care. This program aims to produce skilled family practitioners equipped to serve diverse populations in various settings.