University of Kansas (Wichita)/Wesley Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Wesley Family Medicine Residency Program, affiliated with the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, is committed to producing full-spectrum family physician leaders equipped to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes a broad-based training approach, integrating behavioral and mental health into comprehensive care.1 The primary objective is to develop family medicine practitioners who can adapt to and excel in various medical environments while maintaining a patient-centered approach. The program underscores the importance of reflective practice, encouraging residents to continuously evaluate and improve their clinical skills throughout their careers.2

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum at the Wesley Family Medicine Residency Program is robust and flexible, catering to the individual educational needs and career goals of each resident.1 It incorporates a wide range of core rotations that provide comprehensive training in family medicine. These rotations cover essential areas such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Maternity Care, Pediatrics, General Surgery, and Emergency Medicine.1

Residents also receive mandatory certification training, including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). The program offers a variety of elective opportunities, including advanced maternity care, sports medicine, HIV care, and global health experiences, allowing residents to gain specialized expertise in areas of personal interest.1

In the first postgraduate year (PGY1), residents participate in rotations such as Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine Center, and General Surgery, among others. In the subsequent years (PGY2 and PGY3), residents have the flexibility to choose from diverse elective options to further tailor their training experience.1

Training Sites and Facilities

The residency program is based at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, a large university-affiliated medical center that offers an extensive range of facilities and resources.4 Wesley Medical Center is renowned for its pediatric hospital, Level I trauma center, and nationally recognized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Residents benefit from exposure to high-level maternity care and neurocritical care units.1

In addition to the comprehensive clinical training areas, the center includes resident sleep rooms located adjacent to the Maternity Care unit, enabling residents to rest and remain vigilant during demanding shifts. Trainees also gain valuable experience in the Wesley Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Emergency Room, equipping them with essential pediatric care skills.1

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants to the Wesley Family Medicine Residency Program must graduate from an LCME/AOA-accredited medical school or an international institution recognized by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts. All candidates are required to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1 and 2 or COMLEX Levels 1 and 2 within two attempts.1

Applications are processed exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates must provide three letters of recommendation. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and does not offer pre-match positions, adhering strictly to the match process to ensure fair and transparent application procedures.1

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visas but does not sponsor other types of visas. International medical graduates need to ensure compliance with J-1 visa requirements to be eligible for consideration in this residency program.1

Unique Program Features

A key feature of the Wesley Family Medicine Residency Program is its integration of comprehensive medical and behavioral health care, ensuring residents are well-versed in the biopsychosocial model of care. The program provides extensive elective rotations, allowing residents to explore areas such as women’s health and advanced maternity care.2

The program's affiliation with a large hospital system provides a diverse range of patient care settings, encouraging professional growth and development. Additionally, the residency fosters a strong community sense among faculty and residents, promoting a supportive educational environment conducive to learning and leadership development.1

Resident Wellness and Support

Resident wellness and support are prioritized within the program, reflected in the provision of a supportive and collegial environment.1 Residents benefit from a range of wellness programs and enjoy comprehensive benefits packages that include competitive salaries, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, and professional liability insurance.

Residents are also entitled to 20 weekdays of paid time off annually, promoting a healthy work-life balance. The program is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and a professional learning atmosphere that encourages both personal and professional growth. This supportive environment is crucial in enhancing resident satisfaction and ensuring successful career development in family medicine.1