FAQ
What does the patient population consist of?
Our patient population is very diverse. In the Family Medicine Center, we have a large pediatric and women’s health population, as well as a significant geriatric population, though the majority of the patients are adults between the ages of 20-60. The population is ethnically diverse, with many of our patients being bilingual in English and Spanish. Additionally, the Family Medicine Center serves as a place everyone can receive care, as we participate in Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Medicaid, Commercial Insurance, and our own Charity Care. In the hospital, you will encounter patients from all walks of life, from the wealthy to the very poor. As the first responders to acute emergencies in the hospital, you will get a chance to see every type of patient.
Where have South Nassau's graduates gone?
Everywhere. About half the residents tend to stay in the New York metropolitan area, and the other half are dispersed around the country. Most go into private practice, some start working as hospitalists, and a many have gone on to fellowships. Half of the Family Medicine attendings admitting to our hospital have graduated our program.
Moonlighting rules
First-year residents may not moonlight. Second- and third-year residents may only moonlight with the written consent of the program director, and may not exceed working hour regulations. There are specific rules for moonlighting outlined in the residency handbook.
What is the call schedule like?
Calls are tough, but are a great learning experience. Calls are 12-24 hours in duration. Residents are on-call throughout their three years of training. Usually, the resident will have one call-free weekend per month. There are no calls during the weekdays (only Friday-Sunday) as weekday nights are covered by a night float.
What makes our program special?
You will be the first responder for all medical emergencies throughout the hospital (including the critical care units). This means you will be the code team leader, the person who evaluates patients with possible strokes and, together with the neurologist, give TPA if warranted, and you will be the one who will be bedside with the patient having an acute MI, as he or she are on the way to the catheterization lab. Additionally, the program fosters adult education and learning and encourages residents to pursue their goals, even if it means creating new rotations.
What is the lecture schedule like?
We have a strong didactic series, consisting of 10 hours of protected time each week. The series of lectures includes lectures in all the core topics of family medicine, as well as board review, workshops, simulations, dermatology clinics, ECG rounds, etc.
What are the opportunities for employment?
Residents almost always find jobs after they graduate. The practice management rotation that all residents have in the fall of their third year prepares them for employment. During this time, residents prepare their CVs, assure that all their credentials are submitted for licensure (if not already done), and start their board application process. Residents have been welcomed with opportunities all over the country.
What kind of procedures do the residents do?
Our residents have opportunities to do procedures every day. These procedures include, but are not limited to, vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, central line placements, ACLS/PALS/BLS, circumcisions, cryotherapy, IUD placements, joint aspirations and injections, vaccine administration, NG/OG tube insertions, incision and drainages, intubations, newborn resuscitations, OMT, Pap smears, skin laceration repairs, toenail removals and trigger point injections.