Frequently Asked Questions

Our residents train with world-renowned specialists at UCI Health, Orange County’s only university hospital. UCI Health is home to Orange County’s only Level I trauma center, regional burn center and one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide. We are particularly proud of the innovative programs we have developed that support teaching future family physicians, including the following:

• PRIME-LC Track is dedicated to training physicians to serve the Latino community. It is the first program of its kind in the nation.
• Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year training program that prepares physicians for diverse musculoskeletal training in an NCAA Division I academic setting.
• Geriatrics Fellowship is a one-year comprehensive, advanced training program designed to prepare physicians to care for older adults.
• UCI Outreach Clinics is a student-run free clinic and residency rotation.

Orange County is one of the most diverse places in the nation. Long Beach further adds diversity to our patient population. Residents will see patients from a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Our patients are our teachers. Many have complex chronic diseases that require coordination of care among us, the primary care physicians and the specialists, as well as our support staff.

Learn more about our training sites

Our Residency Selection Committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications. Although we prioritize those who have passed Step 1 and 2 on their first attempt, we will consider applicants who have failed once but hold strong qualifications in other areas of their application. Passing both Step exams is strictly required prior to starting residency.

Yes, we accept students who have DACA.

Some popular apartment complexes near the hospital include Gateway Apartments, Arroyo Vista and Terrace Apartments. The majority live in Irvine, Tustin, Orange and Long Beach. You can also find accommodating, close areas in Fountain Valley, Garden Grove and Fullerton. Depending on where you’re coming from, it’s usually a 20- to 30-minute drive to the Family Health Center in Santa Ana. There are plenty of activities to do, like going to the beach, visiting new restaurants and going shopping.

The main sites of our residency program are UCI Medical Center in Orange, Orange County Global Medical Center in Tustin and our home base, Family Health Center (FHC) in Santa Ana. All three are right off the 5 freeway and only a few exits apart. In fact, all three sites can be reached by local streets, approximately three to four miles from each other. During your first year, you will also go to VA Long Beach.

Yes, during the R3 year, our residents have taken advantage of moonlighting opportunities at local urgent care centers, community clinics and Kaiser locations.

The benefits and salary for Family Medicine residents are in accordance with University of California policies. Please visit the UCI School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residents & Fellows Salary, Benefits, Policies webpage for current information.

GME BENEFITS & SALARIES WEBPAGE

Most of our residents stay in Southern California after residency. Many have gone on to complete fellowships in sports medicine, geriatrics and palliative care. Most recently, residents have entered academic medicine or community health centers in underserved areas. Some of our residents go into group practices or private practice.

Learn more about our recent alumni