University of Rochester Medical Center Program

The University of Rochester/Highland Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program known for its unique balance of comprehensive training, academic rigor, and strong community involvement. As one of the oldest family medicine programs in the United States, it offers a rich history and commitment to training skilled family physicians.

Program Structure

With a current resident class size of 13-13-13 established as of June 2024, residents experience a collaborative environment where they engage with peers from various specialties, enhancing clinical skills and learning opportunities. The program is designed to expose residents to a broad spectrum of family medicine practices while allowing them to develop a tailored path according to personal interests through numerous Areas of Concentration.

Training Sites

The residency program primarily operates within Highland Family Medicine, the urban site, and Brown Square, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Both venues provide extensive clinical exposure and include multidisciplinary teams comprising care managers, behavioral health specialists, social workers, and pharmacists to support comprehensive patient care. The residents dedicate increasing amounts of time in outpatient clinics, progressing to four half-days per week by the PGY-3 year.

Curriculum

The curriculum anchors on a structured rotation system that evolves yearly. In the first year, residents focus on inpatient services, working with hospital medicine, pediatrics, critical care, and obstetrics, alongside outpatient rotations in several fields such as Orthopedics, Surgery, and Dermatology.

A notable feature of the curriculum is the 'P2' rotation during the second year, focused on psychosocial medicine. This five-month longitudinal experience combines direct patient care with theory and policy training, supervised family meetings, and primary care counseling visits. Residents also receive specialized obstetrics training; Highland Hospital, the busiest maternity unit in the Rochester area, facilitates approximately 3000 deliveries annually, and residents can expect to manage 40-60 deliveries during their internship.

Research and Advocacy

The program sponsors resident participation in community advocacy initiatives, including a specific political advocacy track to engage in health policy discussions and promote care for underserved populations. There is also a robust emphasis on psychosocial medicine throughout the residency, with training in substance use, mental health issues, and family systems medicine.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities and clinical research. With resources from the University of Rochester, residents can work alongside experienced faculty who emphasize the importance of continual learning and the enhancement of patient care through evidence-based practices.

Resident Life

The culture within the residency program underscores the importance of work-life balance. Residents enjoy a variety of social events, allowing them to build camaraderie outside of formal training. Rochester itself presents a vibrant community with affordable living and numerous recreational activities in the Finger Lakes region, complemented by local sports, arts, and dining experiences.

Visa Support

The University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency Program actively supports J-1 visa sponsorship and candidates from international medical schools are encouraged to apply, with the requirement of passing both Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE. The program is highly competitive, drawing in over 700 applicants for a limited number of residency positions.

Application Requirements

All applicants must have clinical experience in the United States or Canada, paper-experience such as observerships will not suffice. Graduation from medical school must have occurred within the last five years, and three letters of recommendation are necessary for a complete application. For applicants who have previously undergone residency training, a letter from the prior residency program director must be included in the application.

Conclusion

The University of Rochester/Highland Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program distinguishes itself through its commitment to community health, diverse training opportunities, and fostering a supportive learning environment for residents. Through a comprehensive curriculum and an emphasis on psychosocial care, graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern family medicine.