Here are answers to common questions about the application process, requirements, and the AltaMed Family Medicine Residency Program.
1. What is unique or different about AltaMed’s Family Medicine Residency Program?
Unlike traditional hospital-based programs, the AltaMed Family Medicine Residency Program (FMRP) is based in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The FMRP uses a model that prioritizes and emphasizes outpatient primary care delivery. Health equity is integral to the program and is incorporated seamlessly into the program’s three-year curriculum. Our program is accredited by ACGME.
2. What are the application criteria?
Requirements for all applicants:
- Completed ERAS residency application
- One letter of recommendation from a family physician
- Two additional letters of recommendation from completed rotations
- Dean's letter
- Medical school transcript
- USMLE/COMLEX transcript
- Personal statement
- Curriculum vitae (ERAS CV is acceptable)
- Photograph
3. What are you looking for in an applicant?
We are looking for applicants who are aligned with the vision and mission of AltaMed, and have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to work in ethnically diverse, medically vulnerable communities. We are looking for residents who prioritize service. We are committed to recruiting, training and retaining underrepresented minorities in medicine. Additionally, fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.
4. How many letters of recommendation do you require? Does one of the letters need to be from a family physician?
We require three letters of recommendation, one of them from a family physician.
5. May I fax or email additional information to go along with my application?
No. Please view our “Application Requirements” page and submit the required information along with your application via ERAS.
6. What is your application deadline?
December 20, 2024
Applications in ERAS are released in September of the Academic Year. We highly advised to submit your application as early as possible since interview spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis. Our interview season roughly extended from October to December.
7. Do you train residents who are international medical graduates (IMG)?
Yes, we welcome IMGs. Additional requirements for graduates of international medical schools (except Canadian) students include:
- Six to 12 months of U.S.-based, hands-on clinical experience (preferably in primary care)
- Three letters of recommendation from an American medical school faculty member, who can verify your clinical skills. Letter-writers should have either:
- Worked with you prior to your arrival in the United States
- Worked with you in an internship, externship, clerkship, or equivalent experience
- Evidence of having passed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams
- ECFMG certification
8. Do you participate in the Match?
Yes, AltaMed’s Family Medicine Residency Program participates in the Match.
NRMP Program Code: 2236120C0
9. Do you sponsor visas?
No. We do not accept or sponsor visas.
10. Can DACA recipients apply?
Yes, DACA recipients are welcome and encouraged to apply.
11. I applied. What happens next?
Our team will review your application on ERAS. If you are selected for an interview, our program coordinator will reach out to you to schedule a time. We have a limited amount of travel assistance based on financial need and academic merit combined.
To learn more about our requirements, please see questions 2, 4 and 7.
12. What types of patients will I see in a week working in family medicine?
AltaMed’s South Gate clinic provides over 60,000 visits per year to an ethnically diverse population, including many people who are underinsured or uninsured. The clinic primarily provides family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology services along with dental care and a wide variety of community programs. There is an integrated behavioral health program. About 60% of our patients are females and 6.5% are under the age of 2.
13. What procedures will I learn during this residency?
AltaMed South Gate has a longitudinal procedures clinic set up to provide residents with the procedure training necessary to succeed.
- Skin Biopsy: excisional, punch and shave
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive implant insertion and removal
- Cast/splint application and removal
- Endometrial biopsy
- Genital wart treatment
- I&D abscess, skin
- Ingrown toenail surgery/excision
- IUD insertion and removal
- Joint aspiration
- Joint injection
- Laceration repair
- OB ultrasound
Other procedures will be performed in the hospital setting.
14. Does AltaMed use electronic medical records (EMR)?
Yes. AltaMed uses Epic. Adventist Health White Memorial (AHWM) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) use Cerner.
15. What are the salary and benefits for residents?
AltaMed offers a variety of benefits. Please see the salary and benefits page for reference.
16. Is there a research requirement?
Yes. All residents must participate in two scholarly projects during their residency program.
17. What types of elective rotations are available?
Residents will have the opportunity to choose from several different elective rotations, view Block Rotation Schedule.
- Addiction medicine
- Anesthesia
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- ENT
- Geriatrics
- GI
- Gynecology
- HIV/infectious disease
- NICU
- Ophthalmology
- Pain management
- Pediatric sports medicine
- Pediatric subspecialties
- Podiatry
- Radiology/ultrasound (priority)
- Rheumatology
- Sports medicine
- Urology
18. Does your program allow moonlighting?
Yes, subject to PD approval.
19. What is your Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) ID?
1200500764
20. Is COVID-19 Vaccination required?
Yes, proof of vaccination is a requirement of employment for all AltaMed employees.
