University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Centers (West) Program

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Centers (West) Family Medicine Residency Program offers a well-designed curriculum and structured training to residents, aiming particularly at those interested in rural practice. The program is known for its strong emphasis on obstetrics, as many full-time faculty have OB privileges and perform C-sections, providing residents with ample opportunity for hands-on experience in this area.

Application Requirements: - Passing USMLE Step 1 & 2 or COMLEX 1 & 2 scores with three attempts or less by the ranking deadline. - Submission of USMLE/COMLEX transcript, medical school transcript, Dean's letter (MPSE), and three letters of recommendation. - Applicants should be no more than five years out of medical school and have at least one year of supervised clinical experience in a United States healthcare facility within the last two years. - A valid driver’s license (any state) and a valid ECFMG certificate, if applicable, are required. - The program has stated COVID-19 vaccination as a requirement for employment, with accommodation or exemption requests subject to specific conditions. - Visas: The program does not sponsor H-1B or J-1 visas.

Curriculum Highlights: - A comprehensive curriculum spanning three years, including inpatient adult medicine, outpatient family medicine, maternity care, pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency medicine, various specialties, and elective rotations. There’s a notable emphasis on community health starting from the PGY1 year. - Night float systems are structured differently across the training years, with a gradual increase in continuity clinic responsibilities.

Residency Experience: - Residents have unique educational opportunities through the unopposed program setup, ensuring broad exposure across healthcare spectrums without competition from other residencies. - The program offers 4 hours of conference presentations weekly, covering a range of topics and speakers. - A special track is available for those interested in focusing on obstetrics after completing residency, designed to bolster experience with higher risk patients and operative procedures.

Support and Benefits: - The program provides competitive salary levels, with incremental increases for PGY2 and PGY3 years, alongside comprehensive benefits including health insurance (with family coverage), dental, life, and disability insurance, malpractice coverage, support for USMLE Step 3 registration, and membership dues for AAFP. - Additional perks include sign-on bonus for PGY1 residents, CME allowances, vacation weeks, free meals during conferences, gym memberships, reduced rates for on-site daycare, and provided parking.

Choosing this program means joining a closely-knit community committed to both patient care and resident education, with a focus on preparing residents for varied family medicine practices, especially in rural settings. The emphasis on obstetrics, community support, and the unopposed nature of the program stand out as major advantages for residents aiming to gain broad and in-depth experience during their residency.