University of Maryland Capital Region Health Program

The University of Maryland Capital Region Health Family Medicine Residency Program is committed to cultivating skilled and compassionate family physicians who are prepared to address both current and emerging healthcare needs within diverse communities. This program emphasizes the importance of reducing health disparities and social injustices. It engages with a wide array of communities through high-quality healthcare delivery, community education, and dedicated service learning, aiming to achieve better health outcomes for all populations 1.

This program operates a 4-4-4 full-scope family medicine residency model, designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching training experience that prepares residents for clinical practice in a variety of settings. Graduates of this program are expected to excel in both primary care and leadership roles, with competencies extending to high-risk obstetrics and women’s health. The residency also incorporates unique features such as access to both internal medicine and family medicine residencies, enhancing training opportunities particularly in obstetric care, neonatal care, and emergency medicine 1.

Training Environment

Located in Prince George's County, Maryland, the residency offers a unique training environment that encompasses urban, suburban, and rural settings. This extensive geographical exposure facilitates interaction with diverse patient backgrounds, encompassing a multitude of cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Notably, the program’s proximity to Washington D.C. enables it to cater to the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and families from Central America, West and East Africa, as well as South Asia 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Family Medicine Residency Program adheres to the foundational requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). There is a notable balance between inpatient and outpatient training experiences, allowing residents to expand their skill sets significantly throughout their training. Starting from the first year, residents engage in meticulously crafted block schedules, followed by a gradual increase in time spent in ambulatory settings during subsequent years 2.

Yearly Breakdown of Rotations

The training experience is segmented across three years, with distinct rotations designed to cover critical aspects of family medicine:

• Year One: This year includes 12 weeks in family medicine inpatient, as well as rotations in pediatrics, obstetrics, GYN, neurology, psychiatry, and surgery.
• Year Two: In addition to an inpatient family medicine rotation, trainees will rotate through pulmonology, geriatrics, cardiology, emergency medicine, and sports medicine.
• Year Three: Residents begin focusing on continuity care, with additional electives and the introduction of a research rotation.

The program integrates longitudinal training experiences that promote continuity and comprehensive care. Notable components include the clinical practice of behavioral health and community health, enriching the educational fabric of the residency 2.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Residents are expected to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training. This may encompass quality improvement initiatives and hypothesis-driven research. The program supports residents in selecting research areas of interest early, ensuring ample time for project development. Educational workshops align with research design, execution, and ethics, facilitating a robust foundation for scholarly work 6.

Application and Selection Criteria

Prospective residents are required to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and are selected via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The program accepts applicants who hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or a J-1 visa, explicitly stating that H-1 visas are not accepted. A completed application should include a dean’s letter, transcripts, and three faculty reference letters, with a minimum of one letter from a Family Medicine provider. Candidates must have passing scores on the USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or equivalent COMLEX scores, as well as ECFMG Certification if applicable 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for international medical graduates, ensuring support during the residency. The program is noted to be competitive, particularly favoring applicants who meet the additional selection criteria and have strong clinical experiences. It is supportive of DOs and international medical graduates, making it an accessible choice for a broad range of applicants 3.