Overview


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  • Our program began in 1970 and is the oldest Family Medicine residency west of the Mississippi River. We are one of the largest FM residencies in Texas with 12 residents per year level.

 

  • Unopposed - Our program is the only residency of any specialty in Waco.

 

  • We admit our patients to two community hospitals and provide care throughout all departments – ED, ICU, OB/L&D, PEDI, NICU.  There are numerous opportunities for hospital procedures like central lines, intubation, etc.

 

  • Academically strong, stable faculty with 12 full time Family Medicine faculty, 3 full time OB/Gyn faculty, and a full time pediatrician.

 

  • As of December 2008, a new addition houses two psychiatrists and an affiliated Family Counseling & Children's services.

 

  • Two dedicated office minor procedure rooms.

 

  • Colonoscopy training offered via our surgery rotation during the first year.

 

  • 1500 deliveries a year - Residents receive excellent training in obstetrics including C-sections, with an option for a high or low obstetrics track.

 

  • We have an outstanding didactic curriculum featuring noon conferences and two lectures on Tuesday afternoons.

 

  • Residents and faculty are active participants in our Patient-Centered Medical Home transition.
  • Since 1997, the program has utilized a state of the art electronic medical records system. Residents receive a notebook computer with wireless access to our EHR and the internet from the Family Health Center, both hospitals, and from home.

 

  • An International Medicine Department facilitates involvement of interested residents in health care delivery at sites around the world.

 

  • The Practice Management Series is one of the program's unique offerings to help prepare residents for the business aspects of medical practice.

 

  • Eleven satellite clinics provide outreach to our community including dental services for children, and groundbreaking is due on two new sites soon.

 

  • Waco has minimal traffic and a very low cost of living.  With Baylor University and two colleges, Waco has ample cultural opportunities.  Having the second largest municipal park in the nation provides 20+ miles of mountain biking trails. Additionally, Waco features a 7000 acre lake.

 

  • The program has a sound financial base through diverse funding sources and the Family Health Center's designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center.

 

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Why did I choose Waco? “I chose Waco because it offered the best overall package. The people are one to the program’s greatest assets, and the residents here were among the happiest that I have found. The camaraderie makes a difficult month actually fun. The program itself has the advantage of being a community based program, which makes a huge difference in the experience you walk away with. It offers countless perks and benefits for the residents. The set-up of the clinic is about as close as you can get to private practice while still in residency. Waco itself is actually a great location. It is big enough to offer plenty of amenities and small enough so you don’t fight traffic (which allows us to take home call). Waco is close enough to Austin and Dallas for a little extra variety (on your 2 guaranteed weekends off every month). Waco is a ‘family practice friendly’ town professionally and a good place to raise a family personally. Waco offers good schools and great social support, especially with the activities of our Resident Spouse Alliance. It’s just a great package.”

Premal Patel, Chief Resident, 2004-2005