University of Cincinnati, West Chester Hospital Program

The University of Cincinnati Family Medicine Residency Program at West Chester Hospital is designed to nurture the next generation of family medicine physician leaders capable of delivering comprehensive and equitable care. The residency program focuses on training residents to adapt within a dynamic healthcare landscape and is committed to high-quality patient care across diverse communities. The mission encompasses several key aims including the education of residents in full spectrum family medicine, emphasizing evidence-based practice, and instilling cultural humility.

Core values articulated within the program include the promotion of well-being for residents and faculty, training for clinical excellence, and modeling dedication to address health inequities within marginalized communities. Moreover, the curriculum fosters high-value, continuous care across patient lifespans while emphasizing collaboration with the communities served, making adaptability skills essential in the constantly evolving healthcare system. Through intentional efforts, the program actively promotes diversity and inclusion among its residents and faculty.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured around a 6-6-6 format, which indicates a total of 18 residents split between three classes, allowing for a closely-knit training environment. Each year of the program consists of various rotations designed to provide residents with comprehensive training in family medicine.

Year 1 (PGY-1)

The first year includes:

• Introduction to Family Medicine - 4 weeks
• Adult Inpatient Medicine - 12 weeks
• Newborn Nursery - 4 weeks
• ICU - 4 weeks
• OBGYN - 8 weeks
• Inpatient Pediatrics - 8 weeks
• Outpatient Pediatrics - 4 weeks
• Community Medicine (Planned Parenthood) - 4 weeks
• Geriatrics - 4 weeks
• Family Medicine Continuity Clinic - 48 weeks

Year 2 (PGY-2)

The second year comprises:

• Adult Inpatient Medicine - 12 weeks
• Family Medicine Practice - 4 weeks
• Surgery - 4 weeks
• Adult Emergency Medicine - 4 weeks
• OBGYN - 4 weeks
• Electives - 12 weeks
• Community Medicine (School-based) - 4 weeks
• Orthopedics - 4 weeks
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine - 4 weeks
• Family Medicine Continuity Clinic - 48 weeks

Year 3 (PGY-3)

In the final year, residents will complete:

• Adult Inpatient Medicine - 8 weeks
• Family Medicine Practice - 8 weeks
• Urology & ENT - 4 weeks
• Dermatology & Procedure Clinic - 4 weeks
• Gynecology - 4 weeks
• Electives - 12 weeks
• Sports Medicine - 4 weeks
• Specialty Pediatrics - 4 weeks
• Community Medicine (Health Department) - 4 weeks
• Family Medicine Continuity Clinic - 48 weeks

This structured rotation approach ensures that residents gain a wide-ranging foundation of practical experience, all while continuously engaging with patients in a continuity setting, thus fostering a robust learning environment.

Training and Partnerships

West Chester Hospital, a 160-bed full-service facility, plays a pivotal role in the training of residents. Notably, this program collaborates with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for pediatric rotations, further enriching the educational experience. The proximity of the facilities allows residents to benefit from a community-based approach while accessing the resources of a teaching hospital. Such integration promotes collaboration with leading experts across various domains of healthcare.

Diversity and Community Engagement

The residency program prides itself on partnerships that enhance community engagement and facilitate comprehensive healthcare access. Collaborations include organizations such as Primary Health Solutions, Planned Parenthood, and the Butler County Department of Health. These connections allow residents to function in settings that exemplify the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and the practice of medicine that is responsive to the needs of underserved populations.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports international applicants by providing sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, making it an accommodating choice for international medical graduates (IMGs) who may wish to pursue their residency in the United States. The program, while competitive, also welcomes applications from DO and IMG candidates, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity in the selection process. Special application requirements may include an emphasis on a candidate's year of graduation, and there may be restrictions on the number of failed STEP exams, but these specifics should be thoroughly reviewed during the application process.