GME Family Medicine FAQ
The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
What Are The Criteria For Applying To The Kaweah Health Family Medicine Residency Program?
Along with your completed ERAS application, we are interested in the “fit” of candidates to our program. We are looking for those who have a heart for Family Medicine and want to care for the undeserved of the community. The goal of our program is to graduate physicians who are ready to practice Family Medicine with anyone, anytime and anywhere, with a focus on those who wish to continue to serve the population of Central California.
Can You Please Tell Me About Your Hospital And Teaching Faculty?
Historically, Kaweah Health has been a community-based hospital and each of our Family Medicine Faculty work either in a solo or multi-physician/multi-specialty practice within the local community. Having received Institutional and Family Medicine Program Accreditation from the ACGME, we are now a teaching hospital. The goal of the Family Medicine program is to mentor young physicians to develop a passion for serving the community. Our Family Medicine Faculty is diverse and truly reflects the patient population of our community. In addition to the program faculty, physicians within the community recognize there is a shortage of physicians in this medically underserved area of California. As such, many of them have committed to providing various types of training in their areas of interest and expertise.
Is Kaweah Health Affiliated With A Medical School?
Yes. In an effort to provide Medical Students and Resident Physicians access to facilities in which they can obtain broader clinical learning experiences, Kaweah Health has entered into an affiliation agreement with University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.
How Many Letters Of Recommendation Do You Require? Do They Need To Be Written By A Family Physician?
Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with the ERAS application. At least one letter should be written by a family physician. Letters of recommendation should be written within the last year and should include statements regarding your clinical knowledge and skills. The person writing the letter should have directly observed you interacting with patients. We also look for comments regarding attitude, work ethic, teamwork, compassion, professionalism and if you have waived your right to view the letter.
What Is Your Deadline For Accepting Applications?
It is preferred that completed applications be received prior to December 1. We plan to begin interviewing in mid to late October.
May I Email / Fax Additional Information For Your Review And / Or To Include With Application
No. All documentation must be submitted through ERAS.
Does Kaweah Health Have Child Care Available for Residents?
Yes! Kaweah Kids Center is a Title 22 facility and is licensed through the State of California’s Community Care Licensing agency. The teachers are CPR and First Aid certified. Kaweah Kids Center is open to employees of Kaweah Health as well as the public and is dedicated to serving children ages 0 - 5 years old.
What Is The Housing Situation in Visalia
Visalia is an attractive location for singles and families to live thanks to the affordability of housing, a consistently stable and growing economy, good weather, a municipal airport, low crime, and its proximity to San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, the Sierras, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles. Median home values/median rental rates in Visalia are well below the California average.
Are There Recreational Activities Nearby
“Nestled in the foothills below the majestic Sierra Nevada, Visalia is the Gateway of Sequoia and Kings National Parks. The city’s charm and strong community welcome visitors year-round for an experience filled with live entertainment, stunning art, rich history, and world-class restaurants.” - Visalia Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau
Will You Consider International Medical Graduates (IMG's)?
Yes. All qualified candidates will be considered to our program.
Will The Medical School I Attended Be Considered?
Applicants must have graduated from a Medical School recognized by the Medical Board of California.
Do You Require An ECMFG (Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates) Certificate For IMG Applicants?
Yes. A valid certificate must be submitted with your ERAS application. The CSA and English dates must be current for IMG applicants.
May I Transfer And / Or Receive Credit For Training That I have Already Completed And Enter Your Program At A Level Other Than a PGY1?
Not at this time. Any applicants invited to participate in the FM Program will begin at the PGY1 level.
Will Your Program Sponsor My Visa?
Our program will accept J-1 VISAs sponsored through the ECFMG. We do not sponsor VISAs at this time.
