University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

The University of North Carolina Hospitals Program in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine offers a comprehensive two-year residency designed to equip trainees with extensive skills in preventive medicine and public health. This residency consists of an academic year dedicated to coursework and a practicum year involving hands-on experiences in public health settings.

During the academic year, residents pursue a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. This curriculum is intellectually rigorous and includes diverse topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and healthcare management. The coursework is conducted in person to provide an immersive educational experience essential for mastering public health principles and practices 1.

Curriculum and Program Structure

The program is strategically structured to blend theoretical knowledge and practical application. The practicum year primarily focuses on implementing a specific preventive medicine research project in conjunction with a public health agency. This unique opportunity helps residents apply their learning in real-world settings 1.

Key components of the residency include:

• Research Project: Each resident is tasked with designing and completing a research project tailored to their interests, which should result in publishable work.
• Clinical Rotations: Residents engage in individual patient care across various settings, including primary care and behavioral medicine, thereby developing their clinical skills and understanding of population health.
• Public Health Agency Rotation: Residents gain practical experiences through an eight-week rotation with local, state, or federal public health agencies.
• Healthcare Management Rotation: Opportunities for engaging in quality improvement projects across various healthcare settings.
• Medical Student Teaching: Residents co-teach clinical epidemiology, fostering their teaching skills and reinforcing their own knowledge base.
• Electives: A selection of electives allows personalized learning experiences aligned with specific career goals and interests 1.

Training Environment

UNC Hospitals supports the residency by providing access to a network of outstanding clinical and public health facilities. Residency training is based at multiple sites, including the esteemed Gillings School of Global Public Health and the NC Division of Health and Human Services, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Residents can also participate in rotations at the Veterans Health Administration and local health departments, providing a breadth of insight into population health management 1

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants are required to have completed at least one year in an ACGME-accredited clinical residency program, typically in a primary care specialty such as family medicine or internal medicine. All eligible applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or a permanent residency status, or be valid J-1 visa holders. The program currently accepts up to five applicants each year, ensuring a competitive yet supportive selection process 4.

To apply, candidates are required to:

• Utilize the ERAS system by the November 1st deadline.
• Provide a 2-page personal statement outlining their interests and goals.
• Submit three letters of recommendation, including one from the program director of their previous residency.
• Present a valid medical license, unless waiting on licensing approval.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Preventive Medicine Residency at UNC is distinguished not only by its extensive experience over 50 years but also by its robust alumni network. Graduates have gone on to occupy influential positions in various fields addressing population health concerns, from healthcare administration to academia 3. The program emphasizes mentorship, providing connections that help residents navigate their careers post-residency.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in meaningful scholarly activities and are provided the resources to conduct independent research or join existing projects with faculty members. Each resident should aim to complete at least one major research project relevant to their interests during the residency, culminating in opportunities for presentations or publications 1.

Visa Support

The program is open to international applicants who possess a valid J-1 visa. The program supports residents in navigating the visa application process and ensures that all necessary documentation is in place prior to the commencement of residency training 4.

Competitiveness

The UNC Preventive Medicine Residency is known for being highly competitive, mainly due to its long-standing reputation and quality of education. It actively promotes a welcoming environment for DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), providing equal consideration to applicants from diverse medical backgrounds compared to U.S. MDs 4.