University of Alabama Medical Center (Huntsville) Program

The UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency Program has established a strong reputation for training family physicians for over 40 years. Situated in Huntsville, Alabama, the program has played a pivotal role in producing over 25 percent of the family physicians in the state and is recognized as Alabama's first family medicine residency. The program offers a 12 / 12 / 12 community-based approach, emphasizing robust training alongside one of the highest ABFM pass rates within Alabama 1.

The primary inpatient training site is Huntsville Hospital, a prominent 941-bed regional referral center that includes a Level 1 trauma center. The Family Medicine Center, which serves as the largest primary care practice in North Alabama, caters to a diverse patient population, providing residents with a wealth of clinical exposure. This environment ensures ample opportunities for diagnosing conditions across various volumes and acuity levels, all within a supportive learning framework that fosters the medical competencies essential for future practice 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is comprehensively designed across three years (PGY1, PGY2, and PGY3), focusing on various essential fields.

PGY1 Training

During the first year, the curriculum includes:

• 8 weeks of Family Medicine
• 4 weeks of Internal Medicine
• 12 weeks of Pediatrics (ER, clinic, wards, nursery)
• 12 weeks of Obstetrics (inpatient/outpatient)
• 4 weeks of Behavioral Health/Psychiatry
• 4 weeks of Adult ER
• 4 weeks of Ambulatory Care
• Ongoing Family Medicine Continuity Clinic (1-3 half days per week)

PGY2 Training

The second year includes:

• 8 weeks of Family Medicine
• 4 weeks of Internal Medicine
• 4 weeks of MICU
• 4 weeks of Gynecology (includes some obstetrics)
• 4 weeks of Pediatrics (inpatient)
• 4 weeks of Geriatrics (inpatient, outpatient, nursing home)
• 12 weeks of Electives (2 or 4 week blocks)
• Ongoing Family Medicine Continuity Clinic (2-4 half days per week)

PGY3 Training

The third year further enhances training with:

• 8 weeks of Family Medicine
• 4 weeks of Pediatrics (inpatient/outpatient)
• 4 weeks of Sports Medicine/Orthopedics
• 4 weeks of ENT/Ophthalmology
• 4 weeks of Adult ER
• 4 weeks of Dermatology
• 16 weeks of Electives (2 or 4 week blocks)
• Ongoing Family Medicine Continuity Clinic (3-5 half days per week)

Common elective rotations available to residents include areas such as Advanced OB, Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine. Structured educational experiences supplement clinical training with regular Grand Rounds and didactic sessions held weekly 3.

Application Process and Requirements

The program interviews approximately 60 applicants annually for 12 PGY-1 residency positions. Specific criteria are emphasized during the application review:

• A demonstrated interest in Family Medicine
• Graduation from medical school within two years prior to application
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores above 210, or COMLEX scores above 500, with no more than one failure in each
• Direct ties to Huntsville or the Southeast region
• Completion of Step 3 for applicants who have been out of medical school for over a year

International Medical Graduates must meet additional requirements, including having a valid ECFMG certificate and at least one U.S. reference letter. Visa options available for international candidates include sponsorship for H1B Visas (if Step 3 is passed before match day) and acceptance of ECFMG sponsored J1 Visas 2.

Salary and Benefits

The UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency Program offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 15 working days of vacation annually
• 5 working days of compensated sick leave
• Continuing Medical Education days for upper-level residents
• Support for professional dues and fees

Additional perks include educational assistance, initial certification course fees for ACLS and BLS, and support for attending national and regional meetings. Residents receive two lab coats and stipends for USMLE Step III and ABFM Certification exams during their training 4.