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Family Medicine Residency

About the Program

Welcome to SGMC Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program!

Madison Hill, DO, Family Medicine Residency Program Director

SGMC Health is proud to offer a Family Medicine Residency Program, accredited by the ACGME, designed to prepare residents for rewarding careers in primary care. Located in South Georgia, SGMC Health provides hands-on training in diverse areas like OB/GYN, pediatrics, and emergency medicine, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges of rural healthcare. Residents benefit from close mentorship by experienced faculty, including Dr. Madison Hill, Program Director, and a team of specialists committed to your success.

With a growing patient population and a supportive community, SGMC Health offers an ideal environment for learning and professional growth. Many residents choose to stay and practice near their training site, making this program an excellent choice for those looking to establish roots and make a meaningful impact.

The Family Medicine Residency Program focuses on enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life for our community by offering exceptional training for physicians dedicated to serving rural Georgians. We emphasize high-quality, evidence-based care across a wide range of medical conditions with a focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute illness.


Additional Information

Eligibility

  • Medical School: Eligible applicants must be graduates of a medical school accredited by either the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or of an international medical school listed by the World Health Organization published World Directory of Medical Schools. International Medical Graduates must expect to have a current, valid certificate from the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) by the beginning of training.
  • USMLE/COMLEX Examinations: Applicants must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (“USMLE”) or COMLEX equivalent. The number of attempts at passing the USMLE/COMLEX is strongly considered.
  • Medical Licensure: Applicants must be eligible to obtain a Georgia training license. All appointments are contingent upon the resident obtaining and maintaining a Georgia training or full license. Applicants who have failed board exams to the extent that Georgia will not grant a medical license are not eligible. rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/360-2
  • Prerequisite Training: Eligible applicants who are not graduates of US allopathic medical schools must demonstrate clinical experience equivalent to that of a 3rd or 4th year US medical student, as evidenced by supportive letters of recommendation from a verifiable source.
  • Visa Status: H1B visa sponsorship is available; J1 visas are not accepted.
  • Current Human Resources Requirements: Successful applicants must satisfactorily complete a reference check, background check, employee physical, alcohol and drug testing, and any other pre-employment criteria as may be required by SGMC Health.
  • Non-Discrimination: The Family Medicine Training Program will not discriminate with regard to gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or sexual orientation.
  • Meet Essential Standards: Applicants must meet the essential standards of an internal medicine resident, as listed at the end of this document.

Selection Policy

  • National Matching Programs (NRMP): SGMC Health’s residency training programs participate in the national matching program.
  • Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS): Applicants must submit their complete application using ERAS. Applications by e-mail, mail, fax, or other delivery will not be accepted. Applications must include:
    • The common application form
    • USMLE / COMLEX scores
    • ECFMG report and certificate for international medical graduates (this includes U.S. applicants attending medical schools outside of the U.S.)
    • An official transcript from the applicant’s medical school
    • Medical Student Performance Evaluation
    • 3-4 Letters of Recommendation, two of which must by Family Medicine.
    • The personal statement
    • NOTE: A photograph is not required for application

Appointment Requirements

After successfully matching into the Family Medicine Residency Program, applicants must:

  • Consent to a criminal background check.
  • Submit to a pre‐employment drug and alcohol screening.
  • Meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a training license in the State of Georgia.
  • Supply proof of ECFMG certification (Foreign Medical Graduates only).
  • Non‐citizens must have Permanent Resident Status or current Employment Authorization Card.
  • Submit proof of successful graduation from medical school.
  • Updated USMLE/COMLEX results, if applicable
  • Sign a SGMC Health GME Agreement of Appointment / Employment Contract
  • Submit to a health examination and supplementary test(s), which includes tests for drug and/or alcohol abuse, and receive the required immunizations in compliance with the sponsored program health system’s policy and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. It must be determined the applicant is in sufficient physical and mental condition to perform the essential functions of appointment. The results of all examinations shall be provided to the health system’s Employee Health Services.
  • Successful passage of Institutional Net Learning Modules required for Employment.
  • Attend required GME orientation
  • Interviews take place from September through January.
  • Applications must be completed by January 1st to be considered for review by the Selection Committee.
  • Applications will be reviewed by Selection Committee Faculty once all the requirements listed above have been received by the residency program through ERAS.
  • Interviews are by email invitation only. Invitations to interview are sent through the ERAS post office by email to the applicant’s email address as indicated on the ERAS application.
  • Applicants who have not met our requirements will be notified by email through the ERAS post office email system.
  • We offer both virtual and in-person interviews for the 2025 Match cycle:
    • Applicants may choose their preferred format after receiving an interview invitation.
    • In-person interviews include a campus tour.
    • Virtual interviewees will be invited for a group meet & greet and tour of the hospital.

Residents must, without an intermediary, be able to:

  • Take a history and perform a physical examination of patients.
  • Communicate with patients and staff, verbally and otherwise in a manner that exhibits good professional judgment and is appropriate for the professional setting.
  • Read charts, monitors, and other sources of clinical information.
  • Complete appropriate medical records and documents and plans according to protocol and in a complete and timely manner.
  • Possess sufficient sensory and motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers.
  • Be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients.
  • Perform all job functions while dressed in protective clothing required for clinical duties, including tolerating a mask, gown, and gloves.
  • Move throughout the Medical Center to address routine and emergent patient care issues and to attend required educational programs.
  • Work shifts of varying lengths and intensity including day, evening, overnight, and 24 hour shifts.
  • Provide care at all clinical sites, within the SGMC Health system and all affiliated community sites.
  • Utilize a computer for medical record review, documentation, decision support, research, and education in an efficient and timely fashion.
  • Possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
  • Have the emotional maturity to self-assess, know own limitations and seek advice or counseling in situations that might impair own learning or performance in the care of patients, and to proactively seek appropriate treatment including leaves of absence.

Curriculum

Our Family Medicine Residency follows a 13-block schedule each academic year (4-week blocks), providing a balance of inpatient, outpatient, procedural, and community-based training.

  • PGY-1 Highlights:
    • Orientation & Family Medicine Clinic
    • Inpatient Medicine & Night Float
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Obstetrics (Labor & Delivery)
    • Pediatrics/Newborn Care
    • GYN and Women’s Health
    • Sports Medicine
    • Elective Opportunities
  • PGY-2 Highlights:
    • Advanced Inpatient Medicine and ICU
    • Cardiology & General Surgery
    • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
    • Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
    • Dermatology | Neurology/Nephrology Electives
    • Night Float and Outpatient Continuity Clinic
  • PGY-3 Highlights:
    • Patient Safety & Quality Improvement / Research
    • Inpatient Medicine with Senior Leadership
    • Electives and Subspecialty Rotations
    • Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics
    • Obstetrics & Advanced Newborn Care
    • Behavioral Health & Psychiatry
    • Night Medicine
    • Radiology & Geriatrics
    • NICU Experience
  • Longitudinal Experiences (All Years):
    • Weekly Didactics and Board Review
    • Continuity Family Medicine Clinic
    • Simulation Lab for Procedural Training
    • Community and Rural Health Opportunities

Simulation Lab

Our state-of-the-art simulation lab allows residents to gain confidence and competence in a controlled learning environment before caring for patients. Features include:

  • High-fidelity adult, pediatric, and OB neonatal mannequins
  • Procedural training stations for airway management, line placement, and emergency
    response
  • Interdisciplinary simulation exercises to improve team communication and crisis
    management
  • Salary: PGY 1- $62,000, PGY 2- $64,000, PGY 3 – $66,000
  • Additional Stipend for Chief Residents
  • Extensive Board Preparation Support
  • Annual CME Funds: $1,000
  • Free meals while on duty
  • Certification/Courses : ACLS, BLS
  • GA Medical Training License fee
  • Access to Mercer University Library and resources
  • Teaching Opportunities with Medical Students
  • Leadership and Committee Membership Opportunities
  • Scholarly Activity Support
  • On Campus Free Parking
  • Lab Coats Provided Annually
  • Access to SGMC Health Simulation Lab
  • Faculty Mentorship Program

Valdosta and the surrounding South Georgia region offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and modern amenities.

  • Mild Climate: South Georgia offers a mild climate with short winters, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Valdosta is close to the Suwannee River, Lake Blackshear, and several state parks, providing great opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
  • Local Attractions: Here you’ll find exciting destinations like Wild Adventures Theme Park, Moody Air Force Base, and a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants.
  • Convenient Travel: Valdosta is just a short drive from Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, making weekend getaways easy and accessible.

Housing and Relocation Resources

Many residents choose to live near SGMC Health in Valdosta or the surrounding communities of Hahira, Lake Park, and Lakeland.

  • Recommended Rental Companies:
    • Valdosta Properties (229) 242-7575 
    • D’Osta Properties, LLC (229) 630-2685
    • Herndon Company (229) 244-1992
  • Recommended Realtors:
    • Naiz McNeil (470) 270-4472
    • Jason Dove (229) 563-0377

Relocation Tip: Housing in Valdosta is affordable, with most residents able to secure apartments or starter homes within 10-15 minutes of the hospital.

Family Benefits

SGMC Health partners with the Valdosta YMCA to offer extended daycare hours for healthcare workers, providing convenient childcare options for residents and hospital staff.

SGMC Health is the region’s leading healthcare provider and an essential training site for our residents.

  • Regional Referral Center: SGMC Health serves as a Level III Trauma Center, providing critical care to communities across South Georgia and North Florida.
  • Comprehensive Services: We offer a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient care, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and women’s health services.
  • Simulation Lab: Our state-of-the-art simulation lab supports resident training in critical care scenarios and medical procedures, enhancing hands-on learning.
  • Graduate Medical Education Growth: SGMC Health is actively expanding its residency programs to help build a stronger, local physician workforce.
  • Transparency & Performance: Take a look at SGMC Health’s FY2024 Annual Report to learn more about our hospital’s performance, achievements, and impact on the community.

See Dr. Madison Hill on the SGMC Health podcast “What Brings You in Today”