GME Family FAQ
The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Questions
What Are The Criteria For Applying To The Kaweah Delta 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 Delta 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 recently 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 Delta 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 Delta Health Care District entered into an affiliation agreement
with UC Irvine School of Medicine in November 2011.
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.
They do not need to be from a family physician; however, at least one
letter written by a family physician is preferred. 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?
While a firm deadline has not been set, 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 Delta Have Child Care Available?
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 Delta Health Care District 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?
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.
Will Your Program Consider My Application If I have Completed A Portion
Of Or Graduated From Another U.S. Residency Program (Family Medicine Or
Other Specialty)
No. We are unable to consider your application if you have previously started
or completed an ACGME or AOA program.
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.