Selecting A Residency Program

[Son of a Sailor]

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When selecting a family medicine residency program, what factors should you consider besides opposed/unopposed and location?

Even when I narrow it down that far there are about 6 programs to choose from, in my case. Any suggestions?

 

[skb21]

There's a lot of time between now and the time I will start to make this decision, but some of the things that would be key to me at this point are:

1. Location. I'm from the Southeast (Mississippi), and I want to go to a residency in the Southeast. Fortunately, there are a ton of residency programs that aren't very far from where I'm from.

2. Strength in obstetrical services. Now, the malpractice situation may not allow me to do much in this area when all is said and done, but I still want the experience behind me just in case the malpractice does get better for FP's wanting to do obstetrical services.

3. Strength in procedures. I want a program that will give me a great deal of experience in doing several procedures, like removing skin lesions, doing vasectomies, cryotherapy, and some cosmetic procedures. I'm very procedure oriented, and if FP's couldn't do this stuff, I'd be gunning for a surgical residency.

4. Location. Did I mention that I have absolutely no desire to go off to Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or any place similar that isn't in the southeast?

5. Clinical experience. I would like to find a program that is far more concerned with the clinical experience you gain rather than any research you may be able to do.

 

[iatrosB]

I really think it depends on what you want to do in your practice. For me, I want TONS of procedures and a rural focus in a residency. That is because I want to practice rural FM where I do about anything. Figure out what you want, then target those residencies. Good thing about FM is that there are many different types of programs out there and chances are very good you'll get the one you want. Good luck