University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Program

The USF Health - Morton Plant Mease Family Medicine Residency Program is a three-year unopposed residency program sponsored by the University of South Florida, located in Clearwater, Florida. The program's mission centers on developing exemplary family physicians who humanize medicine and deliver high-quality patient care. With a comprehensive curriculum that integrates various medical disciplines, this residency stands out in its emphasis on community health and patient-centered care.

The residency program includes innovative fellowship opportunities, such as a Sports Medicine Fellowship introduced in 2009 and a Pharmacy Residency, initiated in 2013, which enrich the training experience. Outpatient care occurs primarily at the Turley Family Health Center, recognized for its Patient-Centered Medical Home™ designation, where residents gain experience in managing diverse patient populations across all life stages, from prenatal visits to geriatric care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program emphasizes a well-rounded curriculum that entails extensive clinical exposure and educational opportunities. Residents participate in rotations across various primary care settings, ensuring that by the end of their training, they have a robust experience in managing both chronic illnesses and preventative care interventions. Outpatient training at the Turley Family Health Center allows residents to engage directly with patients in a full-scope family practice environment, while inpatient training at Morton Plant Hospital equips them with critical acute care skills.

Unique tracks are offered, including Wilderness Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Telemedicine, providing residents with the ability to tailor their experience according to their interests. Integrative Medicine involves holistic patient care, while Wilderness Medicine covers critical skills for healthcare in austere environments.4

Research Opportunities

The USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency Program is committed to academic excellence and provides numerous opportunities for scholarly activities. Residents actively engage in research projects addressing significant public health issues, such as health disparities within minority populations and chronic disease management strategies. The program encourages residents to present their findings at various conferences, including the annual FAFP Spring Forum.18

Community Engagement

Community service is a vital aspect of the residency, with residents participating in local health fairs, screening events, and global health initiatives. Annually, the program collaborates with local health departments and community organizations to offer free healthcare services to underserved populations. Residency participants often go on medical mission trips to countries such as the Dominican Republic, allowing them to apply their knowledge on a global platform.9

Training Sites and Resources

The Turley Family Health Center serves as the primary training site and is outfitted with modern facilities including on-site laboratory and imaging services. In addition, the center features a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen dedicated to culinary and lifestyle medicine education. This unique resource aims to connect nutritional education with chronic disease management, emphasizing the program's commitment to holistic patient care.20

Application Process and Eligibility

Application to the residency program requires submission of specific documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants should be medical school graduates within the last two years or currently involved in an ACGME-accredited residency program. Additionally, candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a family physician, and must achieve passing scores on USMLE Steps 1 and 2 before the deadlines specified.11

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must demonstrate English proficiency and preferably possess valid ECFMG certification upon application. The program has set deadlines for submission, and it should be noted that visa sponsorship is not available for applicants to the Family Medicine Residency at USF.12

Supportive Environment

The program prides itself on fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment, enriched by dedicated faculty who are committed to mentoring residents. Opportunities are available for leadership training through initiatives such as the BayCare Physician Leadership Program.7

The residency program emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and offers competitive salaries and benefits, enhancing the overall training experience.19

Program's Competitiveness

The USF-MPM Family Medicine Residency is regarded as a competitive program, attracting applications from both U.S. graduates and International Medical Graduates. The unopposed nature of the program allows for personalized education with faculty members, potentially leading to a high rate of fellowship placements for residents completing their training.3