Residency Program
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains information on some of the most frequently asked questions about the St. Francis Residency Program.
Residency Program FAQ
- What is the cost of area housing?
- How much freedom do I have in the delivery of care to my patients?
- Is obstetrics instruction available? If so, how involved will it be?
- Are there other opportunities for those not interested in obstetrics?
- Board certification is becoming increasingly important. Is support provided?
- Are there other residencies at St. Francis Hospital?
- Do the residents work closely with the faculty?
- With the ever-changing face of medicine, how does St. Francis maintain its role in the education of physicians?
What is the cost of area housing?
The cost of living in Wilmington and its surrounding area is far below major cities. It is reasonable to expect that you could find a nice one-bedroom apartment for about $900 - $1,000 per month. One of the key advantages of Wilmington is that the surrounding communities are extremely diverse in addition to being easily reached. This relocation guide provides more information and resources for living in Wilmington.
How much freedom do I have in the delivery of care to my patients?
Even though you have constant faculty supervision, you are always encouraged to make your own decisions regarding the care of your patients. A wide range of pathology exists in the Center's patient population, providing you with a variety of patient care experiences. The faculty provide educational support and make every attempt to guide the residents through their decision-making process in the clinical setting.
Is obstetrics instruction available? If so, how involved will it be?
St. Francis Hospital Family Practice Residency Program is one of the few programs in the East with full time family physicians providing obstetrical instruction for the residents. The Residency Program participates in "Tiny Steps," a collaborative community project developed to provide prenatal care for Medicaid-eligible women. This program, combined with the prenatal patients at the Family Practice Center, offers ample opportunity to care for pregnant women and deliver their babies. The residents deliver an average of 250 babies a year. Of the faculty, four serve as OB instructors.
Are there other opportunities for those not interested in obstetrics?
Yes. The program is designed to fully meet the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Therefore, you are required to learn obstetrics as well as other subspecialties. You are, however, encouraged to concentrate on areas that interest you and contribute to your future career plans. We have graduates who have finished fellowships in sports medicine, business management and faculty development. While it is impossible to predict the skills that will be necessary in our ever-changing medical environment, St. Francis provides opportunities to focus on all aspects of care.
Are there other residencies at St. Francis Hospital?
No, and this is certainly a benefit for the developing family physician. You will have the opportunity to be first in line to perform procedures or make decisions. The close association between attending physicians and residents allows you to ask questions while at the same time retain control of patient management.
Do the residents work closely with the faculty?
Every resident is assigned to a mentor at the start of residency training. The mentor is one of the faculty members who meets at least four times each year with the resident to discuss his/her progress. Monthly rotation evaluations are reviewed as well as the pluses and minuses of each rotation. Future goals are discussed, and as the resident moves through the three-year program, there is often a personal bond which develops. The resident has a role model with which to discuss a wide variety of issues.
With the ever-changing face of medicine, how does St. Francis maintain its role in the education of physicians?
Developing future family physicians goes hand-in-hand with the overriding philosophy of the hospital. St. Francis has one purpose and that is to provide care—what better way to achieve this goal than to cultivate future health care providers. St. Francis is willing to commit whatever resources are necessary to keep the residency program in the forefront of training. St. Francis Family Medicine is now in its fourth decade of educating residents and preparing those who serve as the foundation of primary care. Among our graduates are physicians who have served as department chairs at major universities, team doctors for Olympic and collegiate sports teams, and who are in private practice throughout the region and the country
