University of Michigan School of Public Health Program

The University of Michigan School of Public Health offers a well-established Preventive Medicine Residency program dedicated to training highly qualified physicians in clinical preventive medicine and public health. This program is one of the oldest in the country, having been established in 1969. The overall mission is to develop physician leaders equipped with the skills to address public health challenges effectively while earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in one of the core areas of public health, such as General Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Behavior & Health Equity, and Health Management and Policy.

The Preventive Medicine Residency program is conducted over a two-year period and is designed specifically for individuals who have already completed at least one year of accredited postgraduate medical training in a primary care specialty. The residency encompasses rigorous academic coursework resulting in an MPH, as well as practical training through hands-on experiential learning opportunities that engage residents in public health practice across various settings.

Program Structure and Tracks

The residency offers two tracks to accommodate different educational backgrounds:

• MPH Track: This track is for residents who do not already possess an MPH degree. The first year focuses on completing MPH coursework, while the second year emphasizes practical rotations.
• Practicum-Only Track: This track is designed for applicants who already hold an MPH degree, where both years consist of practicum rotations with opportunities for extended core and elective rotations.

Residents are expected to engage in a continuity clinic during their first year and complete a series of practicum rotations, culminating in graduation with an MPH credential.

Practicum Rotations

The practicum experiences involve field placements at various sites, including state and local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and health systems. Required core rotations include:

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (State Health Department)
• Washtenaw County Public Health or Ingham County Health Department (Local Health Department)
• Family Health Center or Detroit Community Health Connection (Federally Qualified Health Center)
• Henry Ford Health System (Health System Population Health)

These practical experiences allow residents to engage directly with populations that have unmet healthcare needs and help them apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Research and Academic Component

Residents are encouraged to participate in research projects and community-engaged scholarship throughout their training. Faculty members are actively involved in various research initiatives in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, and community health, creating an environment where residents can develop their interests in public health while contributing to meaningful research outcomes.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The application process for the Preventive Medicine Residency is competitive, with approximately three new residents admitted each year. The first step for prospective candidates is to complete the online Graduate Medical Education (GME) application, which must include a personal statement, CV, official transcripts, and verification of previous training. Candidates are also required to have:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
• Graduation from an accredited medical school (in the U.S., Canada, or equivalent)
• Completion of at least one year of clinical training in an ACGME-approved program
• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3

The residency program is not able to accept non-U.S. citizens due to funding constraints.

Visa Support

The Preventive Medicine Residency can sponsor certain visa types for international medical graduates. Generally, the program is structured to support J-1 visas for eligible international applicants; however, specific guidelines and eligibility must be discussed with the program administration.

Residency Life and Support

The university provides medical professional liability insurance, along with an annual stipend for all residents, generous vacation, and sick time. Additionally, full tuition coverage for the MPH program is provided. The residency requires residents to be committed full-time to the training program and reside within a reasonable commuting distance to Ann Arbor.