Family Medicine - Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our Family Medicine Residency Program, including clinic experience, inpatient rotations, educational opportunities and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Medicine Residency Clinic is located at the Ziff Building on the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie, Florida.
- PGY-1 residents typically spend 1–2 days per week in the clinic during most rotations.
- PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents spend about two out of every four weeks in the clinic, often alternating weeks.
- During the Inpatient Family Medicine rotation, all residents usually spend two clinic days during the four-week block.
- PGY-2 residents complete a dedicated four-week clinic block, while PGY-3 residents have two such blocks.
This structure ensures that residents receive a comprehensive and well-rounded outpatient training experience.
PGY-1 residents begin clinic with senior residents, typically PGY-3s, during their first six months. They focus on learning the electronic health record system and observing patient encounters. Starting in January of PGY-1, residents begin managing their own continuity patient panels.
Residents also:
- Work alongside medical students and serve as preceptors under the guidance of Family Medicine faculty.
- Encounter a wide range of medical conditions, including rare cases not commonly seen in typical outpatient settings.
- Attract patients who choose to come to the clinic specifically to be seen by residents, even from outside the local area.
The Inpatient Family Medicine Service is a resident-run service comprised of:
- Two PGY-1 interns and two senior residents.
- Attending supervision by Family Medicine faculty, rotating weekly.
Residents manage admissions, coordinate care, and collaborate with other medical professionals including specialists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Over three years, residents typically complete about 10 inpatient medicine blocks. They are exposed to both common and rare inpatient cases.
The inpatient census typically ranges between 10–16 patients, though this can vary.
- During the day: PGY-1 interns answer the pager with support from senior residents.
- At night: Senior residents rotate pager responsibilities. Some nights are quiet with minimal to no pages.
In addition to core Family Medicine rotations, residents rotate through a wide variety of specialties including:
- Sports Medicine
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Inpatient and Outpatient Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Nursery
- Community Medicine
- Palliative Medicine
- Business of Medicine
Yes.
- PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents see their continuity patients at Broward Nursing Home and Rehab monthly.
- Several weeks per year, residents rotate weekly with the nursing home attending.
- During those weeks, they also take after-hours/weekend calls as the NSU On-Call Resident (call volume is typically minimal).
- PGY-1 residents begin nursing home responsibilities later in their first year.
- Broward Health: Epic
- NSU Clinics: NextGen
- Nursing Home: PointClickCare
- Other rotations may use different systems depending on location.
Yes. Residents can pursue electives tailored to their interests throughout residency. Examples include:
- Family Medicine (inpatient/outpatient)
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- OB-GYN
- Dermatology
- … and more.
Yes. Pediatric training includes:
- One block of Inpatient Pediatrics
- Minimum of two blocks Outpatient Pediatrics
- One block of Nursery
- One block of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Adolescent patients are also seen in the Family Medicine Clinic.
Residents receive comprehensive Women’s Health training, including:
- Two blocks of Obstetrics (including underserved OB clinics and labor & delivery)
- Outpatient Gynecology at the NSU Ziff Center
- Pap smears and pelvic exams in the Family Medicine Clinic
- IUD insertions, Implanon/Nexplanon placements, colposcopies and endometrial biopsies during GYN rotations
Absolutely. Residents gain hands-on procedural experience, such as:
- Sports Medicine: Ultrasound-guided injections
- Dermatology: Cryotherapy, suturing, skin biopsies
- Derm Clinic at BHMC: Monthly dermatology procedure opportunities
- Surgery Rotation: Assisting in surgical cases
- GYN Rotation: IUD placements, Implanon/Nexplanon placements, colposcopies, endometrial biopsy
- Emergency Medicine: Incision and drainage, laceration repairs and other acute care procedures
- Family Medicine Clinic: Pap smears, minor office procedures
Didactics occur every Wednesday, either virtually or in-person, and typically include:
- Inpatient case presentations
- Lectures by residents, faculty, and guest speakers
- Journal club discussions
- Board-style question reviews
- Daily virtual and in-person Broward CME lectures
- Choosing Wisely projects and GME-wide research symposiums
- Opportunities for poster presentations and case report publications
- Participation in conferences like ACOFP and FAFP summits
Yes. Residents regularly teach NSU medical students during clinical rotations and structured workshops, including:
- Physical exam skills
- Suturing
- Genital exams
- IV placements
Students rotate in both the Family Medicine Clinic and Inpatient Service.
Yes. Residents have attended:
- Local events (e.g., Broward Health Cardiovascular Symposium)
- State and national conferences (e.g., FAFP, ACOFP)
Yes. Residents are expected to:
- Participate in yearly Choosing Wisely and GME Research Symposiums
- Present posters at national conferences
- Collaborate with attendings and students on publications
Yes. Residents use ultrasonography during rotations such as Sports Medicine and Emergency Medicine. There are also:
- Didactic sessions
- CME events
- Access to a portable ultrasound for skill-building
Yes. OMT is most commonly used in the outpatient clinic and is supported through didactic sessions and hands-on teaching.
Yes! Wellness is a priority. Past events include:
- Beach pavilion days
- Group dinners
- Private boat tours
- Driving range outings
Additionally, Broward Health hosts wellness events and provides access to an on-campus Wellness Center. Our residents form a close-knit community both inside and outside of work. Check out our Instagram to see more!
- PGY-1: 15 days of vacation/PTO
- PGY-2 & PGY-3: 20 days of vacation/PTO
- Must complete PGY-1 and pass Step 3/COMLEX 3
- Must be in good academic standing
- Must comply with ACGME duty hour regulations
- Must have approval from Program Director and GME
- Fellowships in Sports Medicine, Palliative Care and more
- Positions at prestigious institutions like Broward Health, Holy Cross, Kaiser Permanente and Baylor
- Outpatient primary care roles and hospitalist positions
- USMLE or COMLEX Step 1
- Step 2 CK
- Step 2 CS (or equivalent, if applicable)
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