RRC approves 20+19 Rural Training Track Proposal!!!

Everyone,

I am extremely pleased to share the news that the RRC has just notified us of approval of our proposal for the 20+19 model of the Rural Training Track!!!!

The three residents currently enrolled in the Rural Training Track will complete their training under the previous integrated longitudinal model. From this point forward, no new residents will be accepted into that track. Current PGY1 residents and those thereafter considering the Rural Training Track would participate under the new format, outlined below.

Residents enrolled in the Rural Training Track will spend the first 20 rotations blocks in Galveston. Residents will then relocate to Weimar, TX to complete the final 19 rotation blocks of their training. Residents’ PGY1 continuity clinic will occur in Galveston, followed by PGY2 and 3 continuity clinic in Weimar. During blocks 14 – 20, residents would commute to Weimar for continuity clinics while completing rotation assignments in Galveston under much the same format as our current hybrid track (reversed).

For detailed curriculum information, interested residents should contact Dr. Nash. Additional details will be shared with residents and faculty at upcoming meetings.

It is likely that we will match resident applicants to this track for June 2010 start dates, final decision pending further discussion at Leadership and Residency Program Meeting. (Residents matching to the track would relocate to Weimar in approximately January 2012. Current PGY1 residents interested in participating could relocate to Weimar approximately January 2011.)

Many, many thanks to those involved in this project FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS, as we take this long anticipated major step forward!!! To Angela Shepherd, who started the dream and then allowed me to lead it when I came on board, to Dr. Thompson who has been always supportive, to Nita Caskey who has done as much or more footwork, sweat and effort as I have, and to our Weimar docs – Robert Youens, Jorge Duchicela and Olga Duchicela – who have hung in there with us all this time, keeping the faith that eventually if we hung in there long enough, it would happen. Also thanks to the residents who participated in all the early stages and growing pains! There have been so many people involved in this project over the years, I couldn’t possibly name them all.

With much gratitude and excitement,

Lisa R. Nash, DO, FAAFP
Program Director
UTMB Family Medicine Residency