Choosing the right medical school early on is crucial.
Choosing a medical school is one of the most difficult, but also exciting parts of the journey to become a doctor. While some make the decision based purely on the reputation or ranking of a school, it is important to also take into account the quality of programs geared toward specific interests. Family practice programs are scattered throughout the United States, and distinguished family medicine departments can be found in each region of the country.
University of Washington
The University of Washington is located in Seattle.
Located in downtown Seattle, the medical school at the University of Washington (UW) offers a department of family medicine that is consistently ranked first in the country for its faculty, facilities, and overall learning atmosphere. Students are not tethered to the Seattle location to receive the education UW provides. The WWAMI Program enables the family medicine curriculum to be taught in Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho also. The department is a leader in rural community medicine and has approximately 800 clinical faculty members to ensure the future success of the program. The UW Family Medicine Residency Network, however, ensures that students can practice in 18 different cultural settings to better diversify the experiences of their well-rounded students and cater to the needs of each individual patient. This department of the University of Washington's medical school also focuses on clinical research to make advances toward the improvement of public health.
University of Washington
Department of Family Medicine
Box 356390
Seattle, WA 98195-6390
206-543-3101
depts.washington.edu/fammed/
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
UNC focuses on global health.
For prospective medical students who prefer to live and practice on the East Coast, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill maintains its status as one of the top five schools for family practice in the United States. The Family Medicine Center at UNC concentrates on treating patients young and old, providing patient-focused continuity care and treatment for urgent problems at their facility. Specifically, clinical programs include integrative medicine, diabetes, and family-centered maternity care. The department of family medicine is statewide, with centers in several towns throughout North Carolina, including Asheville and Charlotte. Fellowship training unique to UNC includes obstetrics, geriatrics, and sports medicine within the domain of family medicine. Additionally, a large percentage of graduates of the Family Medicine Center go on to work as physicians international. Their global health program properly prepares students for this experience. As part of family medicine, UNC also offers a concentration in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
590 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919-966-3711
med.unc.edu/fammed
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
U of M has a Simulation Center for its students.
Founded in 1978, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor also boasts a ranking in the top five American family practice programs. With a 100 percent pass rate for residency graduates on the ABFM Certification Exam, the department surpasses most others in student excellency and job placement. Fellowships are offered in the areas of academic, geriatrics, integrative medicine, MD-MPH, and sports medicine. Students observe and work in the University of Michigan Hospital and the community-based Chelsea Community Hospital, benefiting from a focus on community outreach programs. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor also offers family medicine centered obstetrical training with a Family Mother Baby Obstetrical and newborn service. A clinical Simulation Center allows students to practice procedures for emergency medical situations in a more realistic setting. A renowned resident wellness curriculum is also based at U of M.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
734-936-4000
med.umich.edu/fammed/
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