McLaren Health Care in Oakland, Michigan, in affiliation with Michigan State University, offers a comprehensive Family Medicine Residency program. This guide provides prospective applicants with detailed information about the program, eligibility requirements, application process, and selection criteria.
Program Overview and Eligibility
The McLaren Oakland Family Medicine Residency program aims to cultivate competent, compassionate, and community-focused family physicians. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) exclusively.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be capable of fulfilling the residency program’s responsibilities.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency in reading (printed and cursive), writing, understanding, and speaking, as assessed by the program director and selection committee. This includes conversational and medical terminology.
- Have graduated from a medical school within the past five years. Accepted medical schools include:
- LCME-accredited medical schools in the U.S. or Canada.
- COCA-accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the U.S.
- International medical schools with a valid ECFMG certificate before appointment. Note: The program does not sponsor visas.
Application Process and Required Documents
Applications are accepted solely through ERAS within the specified timeframe. A complete ERAS application is mandatory. No paper applications will be considered.
Selection Process: Criteria and Interviews
The selection committee employs a holistic approach, considering both objective and subjective factors in evaluating applicants. The program adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity and Americans with Disability Acts guidelines, ensuring a non-discriminatory process.
Key selection criteria encompass:
- Meeting all eligibility requirements.
- Performance on standardized medical exams (USMLE or COMLEX-USA). Level 1 and Level 2 passage is required.
- Academic achievements in medical school.
- Recent clinical experience and training.
- Demonstrated goal setting and achievement abilities.
- Maturity, emotional stability, honesty, integrity, and reliability.
- Professionalism, including strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Genuine interest and motivation for a career in Family Medicine.
Interviews are conducted virtually in October. Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will receive email invitations. The interview process, lasting approximately four hours, involves interactions with faculty, the program coordinator, and current residents.
Prior to the interview, candidates should familiarize themselves with the terms, conditions, and benefits of the residency, including salary, benefits (vacation, leave policies, insurance), and living arrangements. This information is provided to interviewees and can be found in the Resident Handbook at www.mclaren.org/oakland/gme.
Ranking and Matching
The Program Selection Committee, comprising the Program Director, Program Administrator, faculty members, and Chief Resident(s), reviews application files and interview evaluations to rank applicants based on the established criteria. The Program Director then submits a final ranked list to the NRMP.
The McLaren Oakland Family Medicine Residency program provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in family medicine. This comprehensive guide helps potential applicants navigate the application and selection process. For more details about resident salary and benefits, visit Oakland Resident & Fellow Salary/Benefits.
