Washington State University College of Medicine Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Pullman, operated by the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, offers a distinctive training environment aimed at producing skilled family medicine physicians suited for rural practice. As an unopposed program, it allows residents to train over three years within a rural community, developing capabilities to manage a diverse range of healthcare needs while working with limited resources and specialist access.

Program Highlights

The program is characterized by its unique training achievements, which include:

• Exposure to a critical access hospital environment, offering residents comprehensive experience across the spectrum of family medicine.
• A robust faculty-to-resident ratio allowing for extensive personalized mentoring and education.
• Significant training in emergency medical practices.
• Participation in sports medicine rotations catering to collegiate athletes.
• Opportunities to influence the structure and curriculum of a new residency program, offering a collaborative educational atmosphere.

Training Sites

Residents of the program are primarily trained at Pullman Regional Hospital (PRH), a 25-bed critical access facility renowned for its educational commitment. The PRH provides a diverse clinical experience that encompasses intensive care, emergency services, surgical services, and outpatient care. The proximity of the Family Medicine Residency Center to the hospital facilitates a seamless integration of training and patient care, with residents participating in a variety of clinic encounters and surgical procedures within the clinic's extensive facilities.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is robust and varied, emphasizing longitudinal learning experiences. It includes:

• A continuity clinic model where residents spend four half-days per week managing patient care.
• Hands-on training sessions and didactics to build core competencies.
• A structured core skills month at the beginning of the residency to establish foundational knowledge, including certifications in various advanced life support techniques.
• A minimum of six months of elective rotations across different specialties, such as Ear, Nose, and Throat, Neurology, and Sports Medicine.
• Active teaching methodologies including academic half-days that combine discussions, simulations, and skills training to promote a well-rounded education.

Application Process and Requirements

Interested applicants must apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS); there are no pre-match positions available. Primary application requirements include:

• Current USMLE or COMLEX scores.
• A personal statement and curriculum vitae (CV).
• Three letters of recommendation.

The program does not accept visas for Sub-I experiences and currently only sponsors the J-1 visa for international medical graduates. Additional applications considerations focus on a collaborative, community-oriented mindset.

Resident Life and Community Engagement

The residency fosters a familial atmosphere, with a strong sense of community supported by both faculty and local residents. With amenities designed to support resident wellness—including social gatherings, healthy snacks, and a dedicated wellness curriculum—the program prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of its trainees.

Visa Support and International Graduates

International candidates are welcomed to apply to the program; however, it is important to note that only the J-1 visa is sponsored for international graduates. This visa will accommodate residency training in the U.S. under the program’s structured educational framework.

Competitiveness

The WSU Family Medicine Residency Program is recognized for its supportive and inclusive environment, making it friendly towards DO and IMG applicants. The call for collaborative, community-minded candidates enhances the program's approach to residency recruitment.