Family Medicine

Family Medicine

General OMS-I guidance

Welcome to Family Medicine! As an OMS-I student, it is important to join the Family Medicine Interest Group Club called ACOFP (membership is free). LUCOM has many activities throughout the year highlighting various aspects of this wonderful field. Students are encouraged to meet the faculty of the Family Medicine department throughout the school year. Consider doing clinical research between your OMS-I and OMS-II years of study.

General OMS-II guidance

As an OMS-II student, you have the opportunity to run for office for the Family Medicine Interest Group.  Not everyone is selected for these roles, so do not be discouraged as you can still be an active member of the club to continue learning about this fantastic field.

General OMS-III guidance

As an OMS-III, approach every clerkship as a learning opportunity to enhance your knowledge as a future Family Physician.  Because Family Medicine is so broad, we see and treat a wide variety of diseases, and each clerkship is relevant to your education.  Start thinking about obtaining three to four letters of recommendation (ideally from Family Medicine Physicians) but the author can be from another discipline as long as he/she knows you are pursuing Family Medicine.  As you approach the end of your third year, reach out to a Family Medicine physician at LUCOM for mentorship and guidance.

General OMS-IV guidance

As an OMS-IV student, once your audition rotations are scheduled in Family Medicine, schedule your elective credits in fields in which you are weaker.  You are still learning, so use this opportunity to get stronger in those areas.  Meet with your advisor often to review your rotations and ERAS application.

Research guidance – What research should a student seeking this specialty engage in?

Students should seek clinical research if needed.

Volunteer, work or service guidance

Family Medicine is a service-oriented field-longevity of service and volunteerism is noteworthy.

Letters of Recommendation – how many and by whom

Obtain three to four letters of recommendation, ideally from Family Medicine Physicians. However, the author can be from another discipline as long as he/she knows you are pursuing Family Medicine.

Recommended total number of interviews overall

12-18 interviews are recommended.

Recommended total number of interviews in the specialty

12-18 interviews are recommended.

General CV guidance

Ensure your CV is well organized and in reverse chronological order per heading. Include dates and a concise explanation of the entries.

General Personal statement guidance

Explain why you wish to pursue Family Medicine. If you have a strong interest in Obstetrics, mention that as well.

Rotations – What 4th year rotations would you encourage a student in this specialty to secure?

Make sure to schedule your elective credits in fields in which you are weaker.  You are still learning, so use this opportunity to get stronger in those areas.  Rotations in OB/GYN and pediatrics are not needed, as these are well covered in residency.

Additional thoughts or suggestions

Be active in clubs and school sponsored events. Every opportunity is a learning opportunity!

Summary of Academic Metrics for LUCOM Students Entering Family Medicine:

Click the link above to visit an interactive data tool published by the NRMP to explore the national data pertaining to characteristics of students matching into each specialty.