Virginia Commonwealth University-Bon Secours (St Francis) Program

The Bon Secours St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program, affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University, is located in Midlothian, Virginia, and is designed to cultivate outstanding family physicians in an environment that emphasizes compassionate care. Established in August 2005, the residency program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ensuring it meets high educational standards for resident physicians.

This program serves western Chesterfield County and surrounding areas, taking advantage of its suburban Richmond location while also providing diverse clinical experiences. The faculty comprises a mix of rural- and suburban-based academicians and clinicians who actively engage in both teaching and mentoring residents throughout their training. Furthermore, subspecialty preceptors are sourced from a prestigious network of affiliated physicians, allowing residents to have broad exposure across different fields of family medicine 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Bon Secours St. Francis Family Medicine Residency is robust and varied, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for residents. The program offers longitudinal experience in critical areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, hematology, neurology, and more. Additionally, procedural training and diverse elective opportunities are included, with options ranging from allergy medicine to urgent care and addiction medicine 3.

Residents are required to participate in two scholarly activities during their training, which may include completing assigned ABFM and IHI modules, as well as engaging in research activities that are peer-reviewed and intended for publication. Workshops in various procedures and monthly meetings for POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) are also integral to the curriculum, enhancing practical skills that are essential in family medicine 3.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

Residents rotate through multiple training sites, which include the Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center and other hospitals within the Bon Secours Richmond Health System. The clinical training encompasses diverse settings, including rural outreach through the Blackstone Rural Track Program, which focuses on serving underserved populations 2. This unique program recruits two additional residents each year who have a specific interest in rural and underserved areas, further emphasizing the program's commitment to community health and outreach.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Engagement in research is highly encouraged within the residency framework. Residents are expected to complete scholarly activities that contribute to their professional development. The program offers additional training opportunities, enabling residents to refine their clinical and procedural skills, which are crucial for effective medical practice 3.

Application Requirements

The application process for the St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program requires candidates to submit applications solely through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and to participate in the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program). Applicants must provide a completed ERAS application, including a personal statement, CV, letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts. It is essential for candidates to have passed the USMLE Step 1 and 2 or COMLEX Level 1 and 2 exams to be considered for admission 4.

Competitiveness and Diversity Considerations

The residency program is recognized for being competitive, but it also aims to be friendly and accessible to both DO and IMG candidates. This openness is reflected in the program's recruitment policies and its welcoming approach to diverse applications. Special consideration may be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to serving medically underserved populations, especially through the Blackstone track 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Support

The Bon Secours St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program also provides visa sponsorship options for eligible international medical graduates. The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the entry of qualified applicants into the residency training.

Salary and Benefits

Residents are compensated with a competitive salary that increases with each year of training. For example, the starting salary for a PGY-1 resident is $63,569, with incremental increases for subsequent years. Additional benefits include CME funds for educational resources, health insurance, retirement plans, and generous vacation time, all contributing to a supportive environment for residents 5.