Virtua Program

The Virtua Family Medicine Residency Program offers an extensive and comprehensive curriculum designed to foster the development of skilled family physicians, capable of providing high-quality care through various medical disciplines, including women's health, pediatrics, cancer care, cardiology, and orthopedics. Since its inception in 1977, the program has been committed to training residents utilizing a curriculum that adapts to modern healthcare demands while focusing on core values and principles of family medicine 1.

The program is the result of a merger of two long-standing residency programs, demonstrating a legacy of excellence with over 45 years of successful education. The program prioritizes community involvement and seeks to entrain residents who will contribute to local healthcare, achieving a sense of "future job security" through employment opportunities within the Virtua Medical Group 1.

Curriculum Overview

The educational structure of the Virtua Family Medicine Residency is organized around 1-month blocks for each rotation, allowing for a diverse experience in various medical settings. As residents progress through the program (PGY1 to PGY3), they are expected to increase their office time, fostering greater patient interaction and building their clinical skills throughout their training.

PGY-1 Curriculum

Residents in the first year will engage in a variety of essential rotations such as Emergency Medicine, Inpatient Family Medicine, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Neurology, amongst others. Additionally, they will have opportunities to participate in Musculoskeletal, Surgical and Medical Subspecialties rotations, establishing a solid foundation for family practice 1.

PGY-2 Curriculum

During the second year, residents continue to deepen their clinical exposure in critical fields, including ICU responsibilities, Ambulatory Pediatrics, and Geriatrics, while also having the flexibility to choose elective rotations tailored to their interests 1.

PGY-3 Curriculum

Third-year residents will advance their training through extensive rotations in Inpatient Family Medicine and Electives. They will also engage in practice management training, equipping them with the skills necessary to manage a family practice effectively 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is a core component of the residency, with opportunities for residents to pursue original projects that reflect their interests. Each resident will receive mentorship throughout the process and can present findings at regional and national meetings, establishing themselves within the medical community 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Virtua Family Medicine Residency emphasizes a personalized approach to training, allowing residents to choose from three distinct family practice centers for their continuity of care. This aspect helps tailor the educational experience to align with individual career goals. This approach supports the overarching goal of producing board-certified family physicians capable of delivering comprehensive care across diverse patient populations 1.

Key training modules include Leadership Training, Behavioral Medicine Training, and Practice Management, ensuring that residents develop not only clinical expertise but also important leadership skills that are critical in today’s healthcare landscape 1.

Visa Support

The program maintains a policy regarding visa sponsorship for applicants. Specifically, Virtua Family Medicine Residency does not sponsor employment visas for international graduates, and applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States 1.

Applicant Eligibility and Competitiveness

The program is competitive and seeks to attract applicants who can demonstrate excellence in their academic and clinical capabilities. Notably, applicants must pass USMLE or COMLEX on the first attempt, with a maximum of one failure permitted on either Step 1 or Step 2. Graduation from COCA or LCME-approved medical schools is required, emphasizing the program's commitment to high standards in education 1.

Rotation and Training Locations

Residents benefit from training in multiple high-performing medical facilities within the Virtua Healthcare system. These facilities include Virtua Voorhees Hospital, Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, and various Family Medicine centers, providing exposure to a wide range of clinical settings and diverse patient populations 1.

Fellowship Opportunities

The program offers pathways for residents to explore fellowship opportunities post-residency. Recent graduates have been successful in obtaining fellowships in areas such as Sports Medicine, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, indicating the program’s strong preparatory framework 1.

In summary, the Virtua Family Medicine Residency Program is dedicated to cultivating competent family physicians through a well-rounded curriculum, personalized training experiences, and opportunities for clinical and academic growth.