Corewell Health Lakeland Program

Corewell Health Lakeland offers a comprehensive Family Medicine Residency Program located in St. Joseph, Michigan, and is committed to providing residents with exceptional education and training in a supportive community-based environment. The program places a strong emphasis on resident wellness and personal development, integrating various aspects of medicine into the curriculum.

Educational Structure

The Family Medicine residency comprises a well-rounded experience with hands-on training across multiple disciplines, including inpatient medicine, intensive care, emergency medicine, surgery, and obstetrics. The rotations take place at Corewell Health’s two hospital sites: Lakeland Hospital in Niles and Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is structured into three years with a progressive increase in resident responsibilities:

• Year 1: Core rotations include Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Psychiatry, and General Surgery, among others. Each resident participates in a half-day continuity clinic for the full year.
• Year 2: Focuses on developing efficiency in patient management, with three half-days in the continuity clinic. Rotations include Pain Management, Geriatrics, Dermatology, and more electives.
• Year 3: Residents take on more independent management of patients, maintaining three half-days in the continuity clinic, covering specialties like Infectious Disease, Obstetrics, and Gastroenterology.

This structure fosters the development of clinical skills essential for the practice of family medicine.

Training Tracks

The program offers specific training tracks to cater to resident interests:

• Lifestyle Medicine: Residents can obtain certification in Lifestyle Medicine, emphasizing wellness through nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Obstetrical Track: Focuses on providing comprehensive obstetrical care, ensuring a well-rounded experience in a personal setting.
• Sports Medicine Track: Offers exposure to sports medicine practices, allowing residents to manage sporting events and engage in community health initiatives.

Resident Support and Well-Being

Corewell Health Lakeland prioritizes the well-being of its residents through its Balanced Life Program, which includes:

• Annual team-building retreats featuring activities like Wilderness Medicine and high ropes courses.
• Bi-monthly wellness coaching sessions that focus on managing stress and promoting mental health.
• Monthly social events organized by a committee of residents and faculty to foster community.

Residents are also supported with essential resources, including wellness initiatives such as Wellness Wednesdays, where time is allotted for personal activities.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Family Medicine program aims to recruit a diverse group of residents, recognizing the importance of inclusion in enhancing patient care. The program supports initiatives for underrepresented minorities and provides mentorship opportunities to enrich the medical education experience.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Corewell Health Lakeland’s program is competitive, with six PGY-1 spots available each match season. Applications are exclusively accepted through ERAS. Candidates are evaluated based on a variety of factors including board scores, academic performance, and connection to the Michigan region. Notably, passing scores for COMLEX II or USMLE II must be documented before ranking.

The program welcomes DO candidates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), providing an inclusive environment conducive to learning.

Visa Support

Corewell Health Lakeland offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for international medical graduates seeking residency positions. This enables a broad range of candidates to apply and participate in the training program.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research relevant to family medicine, enhancing practical learning while contributing to advancements in medical care. There are dedicated blocks for research during residency training.

Resident Life

Living in Southwest Michigan offers residents a vibrant lifestyle. The area boasts beautiful landscapes, including Lake Michigan’s beaches, local wineries, farmer’s markets, and numerous outdoor activities. This environment allows residents to balance demanding training with personal leisure activities.

In summary, Corewell Health Lakeland’s Family Medicine Residency Program provides a holistic approach to family medicine training, prioritizing educational excellence, resident well-being, and community inclusivity.