University of Florida College of Medicine Program

The Community Health and Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Florida is dedicated to training family physicians equipped to provide exceptional care across diverse populations. Founded in 1973, this program has been pivotal in advancing the skills of family physicians for practice across the United States and Canada. Its mission emphasizes commitment to high-quality, ethical, and humanistic medical care while leading residents toward innovative, patient-centered practices. Upon completing the residency, graduates are well-prepared to embark on various professional paths, including academic medicine, hospitalist positions, and fellowships, reflecting the program's flexibility and diversity in training methodologies 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is structured to ensure comprehensive training across all aspects of family medicine. It features an innovative “2+2 mini-block” schedule in the second and third years, where residents alternate two weeks in clinic followed by two weeks dedicated to off-site learning experiences. This structure not only enhances continuity in patient care but also ensures a balanced exposure to diverse medical settings. Core rotations include family medicine inpatient service, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency medicine, complemented by extensive elective opportunities tailored to individual interests. The curriculum reflects evolving ACGME requirements, ensuring that residents engage in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable to their future careers 4.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents participate in a variety of rotations housed primarily in UF Health Shands Hospital and the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, providing exposure to high-acuity patient populations. The program comprises of two family medicine inpatient teams within UF Health, offering robust training under the supervision of experienced faculty. Complementing this is the experience gained at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, which enhances residents' exposure to veterans’ health issues, further broadening their clinical acumen 810.

Research Opportunities and Areas of Concentration

The residency encourages residents to engage in research, particularly in areas that align with their interests. Residents can also pursue Areas of Concentration (AOCs) to gain in-depth experience in specific domains like sports medicine, women's health, underserved medicine, or academic medicine, allowing for tailored educational experiences 5.7

Benefits and Support

The program offers a competitive salary structure, starting at $63,978 for PGY I and increasing annually. In addition to financial compensation, the residency includes several benefits such as paid time off, moonlighting opportunities, paid examinations, free parking, and lunch during didactics. Residents are also supported in furthering their education with fully funded attendance at national conferences during their training years 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship primarily through J-1 visa status. The program strives to be friendly to DO candidates and IMGs, making it a competitive option for applicants from diverse backgrounds. A strong academic profile, including recent medical education and clinical experience, is highly valued in the application process. The program maintains a broad pathway for applicants by being open to candidates with varying levels of USMLE scores but encourages competitiveness regarding USMLE Step scores. Notably, residency applications require a completion of medical school within the last two years and relevant clinical experience 2.

Living Environment

Gainesville, Florida, where the program is located, offers a vibrant community that blends the amenities of a metropolitan area with the charm of a college town. With moderate winters and warm summers, residents can enjoy a variety of cultural events, outdoor activities, and sporting events. Gainesville is not only rich in history and culture but also serves as a great launching point for exploring the broader state of Florida, including nearby beaches and attractions 12.

Graduate Success and Fellowships

Graduates of the program have entered diverse fields, including hospitalist medicine, sports medicine fellowships, and palliative care, often remaining in Florida. The curriculum is designed to prepare residents for the reality of outpatient practice, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet their future career demands 11.

Teaching and Mentorship

The program fosters a supportive educational environment, valuing teaching and mentorship as integral components of training. Residents have the opportunity to teach medical students and engage in leadership roles within the program, enhancing their development as future educators in medicine 9.