Lakeside Medical Center Program

The Lakeside Family Medicine Residency is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program offering five residency positions annually for both allopathic and osteopathic physicians. This program is based at the Lakeside Medical Center, which acts as the primary clinical training site with a co-located outpatient family medicine office. This unique arrangement facilitates both inpatient and outpatient training in a high-volume, unopposed environment, ensuring comprehensive educational experiences for residents.

One of the significant attributes of this residency is its strong community integration, particularly within the Glades community of rural Palm Beach County. Residents receive training that is not only rigorous but also culturally and contextually relevant, supported by collaborations with organizations like Nova Southeastern University and the Palm Beach Health Department. These partnerships create opportunities for residents to engage with and serve a diverse range of patient populations and health care settings.

Program Highlights

Among the noteworthy features of the Lakeside Family Medicine Residency are:

• Excellent inpatient training from an unopposed, high-volume residency service.
• Substantial outpatient training in a well-resourced office that includes services for dental and behavioral health.
• Longitudinal training experiences shaped by the dynamics of the Glades community.
• Engagement with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, which has provided safety-net services for over 30 years.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum spans three years, structured around the evolving needs of residents:

PGY 1

Interns primarily engage in hospital care, where they hone acute-care skills and establish continuity with patients. One month is specifically dedicated to outpatient family medicine, supplemented by weekly visits to the Belle Glade office.

PGY 2

The second year allows for more flexibility, incorporating two months focused on musculoskeletal medicine.

PGY 3

In the final year, residents continue hospital training while enhancing their outpatient skills to prepare for efficient practice post-graduation.

Longitudinal Experiences

Residents participate in various longitudinal curricula that include continuity clinics, behavioral health experiences, and areas such as Community Medicine, Quality Improvement, and Practice Management.

Didactic Curriculum

Dedicated didactic sessions are scheduled every Wednesday afternoon, focusing on core Family Medicine topics through engaging methods, including simulations and workshops. This format fosters an interactive learning environment, and remote participation is facilitated for residents unable to attend in person.

On-Call Schedule

Residents manage limited on-call responsibilities, organized into two-resident teams covering 12-hour shifts, with a focus on maintaining manageable workloads across all training years. The program does not utilize a night-float system.

Residency Benefits

Compensation and benefits provided to residents include:

• Salaries: Year 1 – $61,140, Year 2 – $63,870, Year 3 – $66,599.
• Complimentary meals provided during hospital shifts.
• Life, health, and professional liability insurance.
• 20 PTO days and 5 Administrative Days annually.
• An annual stipend of $3,000 for educational resources, along with funding for technological support.

Application Process

The program accepts applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and does not offer positions for pre-match. Successful applicants must submit:

• ERAS Application
• CV and Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation (preferably from primary care physicians)
• Medical School Transcripts and MSPE
• USMLE or COMLEX Transcript
• ECFMG Status Report (for international medical graduates)
• Photograph

Importantly, the Lakeside Family Medicine Residency does not sponsor visas, which may affect international applicants. Interviews are by invitation only and are conducted with program leadership and current residents.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

The residency program is considered highly competitive, providing an environment supportive of both allopathic and osteopathic applicants. The emphasis is on selecting candidates who align well with the program’s community-oriented mission and values.