Western Reserve Hospital Program

Western Reserve Hospital offers an ACGME-accredited Family Medicine Residency Program, designed to prepare residents for high-quality outpatient medical care while responding to the complexities of today's healthcare environment. This 3-year program is aimed at cultivating exceptional family physicians equipped to meet patient needs effectively.

Program Mission and Vision

The program’s mission emphasizes the preparation of family practitioners capable of delivering outstanding outpatient care amidst evolving healthcare demands. Its vision centers on residents demonstrating academic excellence and patient care through guided autonomy, community integration, individualized rotations, and an extensive didactic curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for all participants 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The Family Medicine Residency encompasses a robust clinical training component with a well-structured curriculum. Residents engage in continuity of care sessions, managing their own patient panels under the supervision of experienced faculty. Each rotation is designed to provide exposure to the diverse aspects of family medicine, facilitating skill development and clinical decision-making.

First Year (PGY-1)

In the first year, residents complete various rotations including:

• 2 months in General Internal Medicine
• 1 month in Intensive Care Unit
• 1 month in Nights
• 1 month in Family Medicine
• 1 month in Emergency Medicine
• 1 month in General Surgery
• 1 month in OB/GYN
• 1 month in Allergy
• 1 month in Pediatrics (Emergency and Inpatient)
• 1 month in Endocrinology

During this year, residents participate in two half-day continuity of care sessions each week, developing essential patient relationship skills.

Second Year (PGY-2)

The second year includes specific rotations focusing on:

• 1 month in Behavioral Health
• 1 month in Women’s Health/GYN
• 1 month in Surgical Subspecialties
• 1 month in Emergency Medicine
• 1 month in Pediatric Adolescent Medicine
• 1 month in Cardiology
• 1 month in Dermatology
• 1 month in Pulmonology
• 1 month in Urgent Care
• 1 month in Musculoskeletal/Sports Medicine
• 1 month Medicine Elective

Continuity of care experiences increase to two full days per week.

Third Year (PGY-3)

In the third year, residents gain experience with more advanced topics including:

• 1 month in Gastroenterology
• 1 month in Women’s Health/GYN
• 1 month in Nephrology
• 1 month in Neurology
• 1 month in Rheumatology
• 1 month in Surgical Subspecialties
• 1 month in General Pediatrics or Pediatric Subspecialties
• 4 months in Medicine Electives

During this year, residents engage in two-day per week continuity of care sessions, emphasizing the importance of building lasting patient connections while applying their acquired knowledge in a practical setting.

Didactic Training and Educational Resources

Education plays a vital role in the residency program, which features weekly didactics, including noontime lectures, morning reports, and morbidity and mortality conferences. Trainees participate in Grand Rounds and attend twice-monthly OMM skills sessions to refine their clinical techniques and learn from specialists in the field 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities throughout their training. They are involved in quality assurance initiatives, performance improvement projects, and a journal club discussing critical literature reviews to stay updated with the latest findings and advancements in family medicine 1.

Specialty Tracks

To cater to varied interests, residents can select a specialty track in areas such as sports medicine, women’s health, geriatric medicine, or manipulative medicine. This provides an opportunity to focus on specific areas of passion and enhances the overall training experience 1.

Candidate Requirements

To apply for the Family Medicine program, candidates must submit their application through ERAS. The program accepts two residents per year, with a focus on candidates who have demonstrated an ability to succeed in medical education. A USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK passing score is required for admission, with first-time passing preferred. Notably, there is no cutoff for years since graduation, and U.S. clinical experience is not mandated. The program accepts J1 visas for international medical graduates but does not sponsor H1B visas 3.

Competitive Landscape

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Western Reserve Hospital is regarded as competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). This inclusive approach offers diverse opportunities for those aspiring to pursue a rewarding career in family medicine 3.

Living in Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls is home to numerous amenities, schools, and recreational activities. The area is rich in community services, hospitable neighborhoods, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal location for both personal and professional life 2.