Rural Family Medicine Residency Overview

The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center rural family medicine residency program in Pittsburg offers the best of both worlds. Resident physicians in this program will spend the first year of their three-year program in Tyler with access to nearly 1,000 inpatient teaching beds (all three Tyler Hospitals combined).

While in Tyler, our residents are integrated with the Tyler residents and form friendships and professional relationships that will last a lifetime. Residents’ involvement in committees and projects will offer opportunities to reconnect with their Tyler classmates throughout the residency.

At the end of the first year, residents move to Pittsburg, Texas, where they begin their rural medicine curriculum. The UT Health Pittsburg hospital, where the second and third years of residency occur, is a Critical Access Hospital. The hospital has 25 inpatient rooms, a large clinic inclusive of primary care and specialty physicians, a Level IV trauma emergency room, state-of-the-art surgical suites and ancillary services.

Our residents have the capability to enhance their education by taking advantage of the master’s degree programs that we offer at UT Tyler. We offer both Masters of Public Health and Masters of Health Administration  programs. These classes can be worked into the three years of training, with tuition reimbursement offered.

In addition, the Olympic Center fitness facility on campus offers a discounted gym membership to employees. The Olympic Center is a 10,000 square foot facility that offers cardiovascular training equipment, strength training equipment, free weights, an indoor saltwater pool, group fitness classes (floor and aquatic), locker rooms, towel service and personal training.

While in Pittsburg, our residents describe their experience as busy, yet rewarding. They become part of the community where they are welcomed and recognized by their local community leaders, patients and colleagues. Residents also become involved in community efforts by providing sideline care for the local high school games, mentoring high school students who are interested in a career in the medical field and volunteering at local events.

Our program offers a robust education and a work-life balance that can’t be beat!

Christian Ferrer, MD, Former Rural Family Medicine Resident