Questions & Answers

What is unique about the Preventive Medicine Public Health Residency Program?

The Preventive Medicine/Public Health Residency Program at the Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach County, is a graduate medical education training program that offers two years of training (PGY2 and PGY3 years in Public Health/Preventive Medicine). The Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County’s Preventive Medicine/Public Health Residency Program, is an exciting specialty that combines the knowledge and skills of clinical medicine with the special skillsets of medical management and population health. The Residency Program offers physicians learning opportunities to develop and enhance their level of competency in public health practice.

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Who can apply?

The program is open to both osteopathic and allopathic physicians and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Physicians completing the program are eligible to sit for the preventive medicine board exams. Applicants must have completed a PGY1 year in an ACGME or AOA accredited institution.

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What institution provides the MPH?

As a part of the Residency Program, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU), in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida provides the residents with the academic experience required to complete their Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

A Master of Public Health is required to complete the Residency; If the MPH is needed; residents can complete the required coursework at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, tuition free.

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I have an MPH-can I graduate in one year?

This is a 2-year program; all residents are required to complete both PGY2 and PGY3 years, even though they already have a Masters of Public Health.

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Do you accept mail-in applications or direct submissions?

No, we do not accept mail-in applications or direct submissions.  We accept applications only through the ERAS program. Applications must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae

• ERAS Common Application

• Detailed Personal Statement of interest in Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Your statement should explain your interest in these fields and in training at a public health agency.  Describe your future goals and how this Residency Program will help you achieve them. Please explain what you would be interested in working on, both as a resident, and in your future career.

• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

One from the Residency Program Director for your clinical (PGY1) training, and two from clinical and/or research supervisors. If you are currently employed, a letter from your supervisor is required prior to entry into the Residency Program. If you are currently in a training program other than the one in which you completed your PGY1 year, you must submit a letter from your current program director as well.

• Transcripts
• A copy of the USMLE and/or COMLEX Steps 1, 2 & 3 scores
• ECFMG Certification/CSA TEST results, if applicable

 

Applications should be completed by November 15 of the year prior to the start date (July 1). Interviews will be held during October-January for selected applicants. Applicants are accepted via the standard acceptance program of the ACPM.

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Do I need an independent Florida Medical License?

p>No, Candidates must secure a Florida training medical license prior to starting the residency.

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What are the medical licensure requirements?

A Florida Training License can be obtained through the Board of Medicine after acceptance into the program. View website of Division of Medical Quality Assurance for Training License.

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What do I need to do to Complete the Program?

  1. Carry out projects that demonstrates competency in research and evaluation of public health problems, and present it to the faculty for evaluation.
  2. Complete a quality improvement project and present it to faculty.
  3. Attend and actively participate in all scheduled meetings, lectures, seminars, and Journal Clubs.
  4. Complete an MPH if not entering with one.
  5. Complete all required assignments on time.

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Do you support an issuance of a Visa?

This program does not support any visas at this time. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

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Other Questions?

Contact the Residency Office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Eastern Time at the:

Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach County
Preventive Medicine/Public Health Residency Program
800 Clematis Street, 2nd floor, Room 2209
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
PH: (561) 837-5168
Fax: (561) 837-5083

Email: palmbeachresidency@flhealth.gov

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