Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/St Joseph's Hospital Program

Surgery - Tacoma, WA | ACGME Code: 4405400350 | NRMP Code: 1756440C1

STEP 999DO Friendly

The Virginia Mason Franciscan Health/St Joseph's Hospital Program in Tacoma, WA, offers an Internal Medicine Residency Program at St. Joseph Medical Center. The program aims to develop physicians who are lifelong learners with a focus on expanding access to quality primary care. Core values emphasize joy in medicine, patient-centered care, understanding healthcare costs, resilience training, and inspiring the next generation of physicians.

The program, led by Dr. Joey Parker, offers a robust training experience at a 374-bed hospital with a level II trauma center, cancer center, heart failure institute, and comprehensive stroke center. The program focuses on developing collegiality, individual relationships with mentors, and opportunities for resident involvement in committees and program development.

The curriculum includes diverse conferences, didactic experiences, and opportunities for leadership and educational skills development. From foundational pathophysiology to clinical leadership and educational skills, the program aims to produce competent and compassionate physicians ready for leadership roles in healthcare.

Benefits of the residency program include ACP membership, CME funds, meal stipend, free parking, competitive salary, and support for USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX-USA Level 3. The program looks for well-rounded, motivated individuals with characteristics like humility, drive, and resilience. Applicants are selected based on academic credentials, preparedness, aptitudes, communication skills, and personal qualities.

Residents have the opportunity to experience Tacoma, a city known for its picturesque parks, family-friendly attractions, and rich cultural heritage. Fun facts about Tacoma, along with top attractions and restaurants, offer a lively off-duty experience for residents during their time in the program.

The program selects 13 residents per year through the NRMP and requires application materials via ERAS. ACLS certification is necessary before residency starts. The interview season typically runs from late October through January. Sub-internship opportunities are available for U.S. medical students, while international medical graduates are not currently considered for the program.

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Director

Tommy Brown

Coordinator

Claudia Serrano

Team

PGY1 Positions 2 ( 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 )

Composition

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score: 999
Visa Sponsorship: -
YOG Cutoff: -

Training

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Faculty to Residents Ratio: -
Residents career path: -

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week: -
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Location

Tacoma city, Washington

Population
219,346
Income
$80,784
Education
Education
34.9%
Employment
60.2%
Health
6.3%
Age
37
Crime
497
Housing
$275,000

Living in Tacoma, WA

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Tacoma has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average, but the downtown area has seen improvements in recent years. It's advisable to pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Fun Activities: Tacoma offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. The city is also home to museums, art galleries, and theaters. Nearby Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Climate: Tacoma has a mild climate with wet winters and dry summers. Expect some rain throughout the year, but temperatures are relatively moderate.
  • Races and Population: Tacoma is a diverse city with a population that includes Caucasians, Hispanic/Latinos, African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans.
  • Education: Tacoma is home to the University of Washington Tacoma campus and several other higher education institutions. The city values education, and there are opportunities for both learning and research.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Tacoma is relatively lower than Seattle, but housing costs have been rising in recent years. It's still more affordable than many other major cities on the West Coast.
  • Nearest Bigger Cities: Seattle is about 30 miles north of Tacoma, and the driving time can vary depending on traffic but typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Seattle offers a bigger city experience with more job opportunities, cultural events, and entertainment options.
  • Pros: Affordable cost of living, proximity to outdoor activities, diverse population, educational opportunities.
  • Cons: Slightly higher crime rate, potential for rainy weather, rising housing costs.

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1756440C1

2024

2 of 2

2023

2 of 2

2022

2 of 2

2021

0 of 2

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