Essentials of Family Medicine (EFM)

What are the Essentials of Family Medicine I, II & III?

Point of Care Ultrasound workshop with our residents and Dr. Cohee, Director of our POCUS Curriculum!

Our three-month “Essentials of Family Medicine” series is an ambitious and innovative curriculum for teaching important core knowledge and skills for a wide variety of key areas important to developing physicians. Each year, each residency class spends a month together participating in a combination of seminars, workshops, and self study exercises directed specifically at their level of training, to enhance clinical skills as well as to introduce and build on topics such as:

• Procedures training
• Well child, adolescent, and adult care
• Concepts of prevention and screening
• Chronic disease care
• Health Equity
• Practice management and leadership
• Quality improvement
• Information Mastery
• Teaching
• Self-reflection and self-care
• Optimizing the physician/patient relationship
• Sports medicine
• Professionalism

Family Medicine Clinician Educator Area of Concentration

The UVA Family Medicine Clinician Educator Area of Concentration (AOC) has been developed to offer residents with a strong interest in medical education additional training and mentorship to facilitate career paths as clinician educators. 

Goals

The goal of this area of concentration is to provide residents with an advanced training in medical education that extends beyond standard residency curriculum. We hope to provide unique exposure to educational opportunities in undergraduate medical education (UME) and graduate medical education (GME), longitudinal mentorship and participation in educational research opportunities, direct involvement with medical student and resident learning, more frequent opportunities for teaching with tailored feedback from faculty on didactic skills, and institutional didactic learning. 

Objectives

1. Have specialized mentored opportunities and experiences for family medicine residents interested in clinical education. 
2. Gain skills in the field of undergraduate and graduate medical education, including curriculum development, teaching and learning theories, assessment tools, etc. 
3. Develop and complete a scholarly project in one or more areas related to medical education and submit it to a national conference or publication.
4. Demonstrate commitment to ongoing education through attendance at pertinent CME conferences, online modules, and teaching opportunities.
5. Describe the processes involved in curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate medical education programs.
6. Gain an excellent working knowledge of available resources for clinical educators.

Requirements/Optional Opportunities 

Residents in the Clinician Educator AOC will have one half-day per month on average reserved for dedicated time to complete these requirements.

Requirements

• Give 3 lectures (in addition to program requirements) to co-residents and/or medical students (i.e. clinical pearls, post-grand rounds conference session, EFM session, etc.)
• Receive dedicated feedback for observed or taped teaching sessions (2 per academic year)
• Attend 70% of the longitudinal didactic curriculum that will involve small group seminars on various educational topics (adult education, working with medical students, growth mindset, giving feedback, approaching difficult learners, curriculum development, career development, scholarly writing, etc). The curricular schedule will be provided prior to the start of the new academic year. 
• Participate in at least 2 UME or UVA FMR curriculum committee meetings per year
• Meet quarterly with your assigned faculty mentor
• Develop a scholarly project (research project, article publication, poster presentation, etc.) related to medical education and submit it to a journal or regional/national conference.

Additional Opportunities 

Residents in the Clinician Educator AOC must also obtain 8 points from completing any combination of the following opportunities. Residents may submit requests to the AOC leadership to earn points for additional opportunities within academic medicine that are not listed below.

• Give an additional lecture (in addition to requirements above) to co-residents and/or medical students. (1 point per lecture)
• Develop an additional scholarly project related to medical education and submit it to a journal or national conference. (3 points) 
• Complete STFM “Residents as Educators” online curriculum. (3 points) 
• Attend annual UVA Resident and Fellows Teaching Bootcamp. (2 points) 
• Spend one session shadowing preceptors in the clinic. (1 point per session) 
• Assist with planning and running the Family Medicine Interest Group skills night. (2 points)
• Assist with the PCOM orientation. (2 points)
• Assist with the UVA SOM orientation. (2 points)
• Attend a CCE Scholars Journal Club or other faculty development session (1 point per session) 

Application

At this time, two residents per class will be accepted into the Clinician Educator AOC. Applications will be considered for residents at any point beginning on March 1 of their PGY-1 year. Residents in their PGY-2 year are also welcomed to apply. The AOC will begin on July 1 of their PGY-2/3 year. In order to apply, please submit an email to Echo Buffalo-Ellison, 2025-2026 AOC Director (umw2rf@uvahealth.org), including a 1-2 paragraph letter of intent, explaining your interest in the program.

The UVA Family Medicine Gender and Sexual Health Area of Concentration (AOC) has been developed to provide additional exposure and training in addition to that provided with the core curriculum. This AOC is for residents with a strong desire to provide comprehensive and informed care to the specific underserved population of LGBTQ+ patients after graduation.

Goals

The goal of this AOC is to train family medicine physicians who are confident and competent in providing holistic care for LGBTQ+ patients in the primary care setting. This includes structured, experiential learning through direct clinical care, ongoing educational activities, teaching, scholarly activity, advocacy, and community service. This track focuses on the importance of continuity of care and longitudinal patient relationships. The Family Medicine gender and sexual health AOC is individualized to meet the needs of each family medicine resident based on their future goals and practice.

Objectives

• Provide longitudinal, direct clinical care of LGBTQ+ patients providing full spectrum care throughout the PGY2 and PGY3 years under the guidance experienced gender health providers.
• Demonstrate competence in gender health including:
  • The initial evaluation of a new patient including gathering focused and sensitive medical, social, surgical, mental health, sexual (more below), and substance histories.
  • Providing patient-specific counseling regarding gender affirming care and setting tailored treatment goals.
  • Performing both initial and ongoing management of gender-affirming hormone therapy, including interpretation of lab data and titration of medications.
  • Counseling, coordinating mental health resources, and providing post-surgical care of gender-affirming surgeries.
• Demonstrate competence in sexual health including:
  • Risk-stratify patients based on an accurate and sensitive sexual history
  • Guidelines and testing for common sexually transmitted infections
  • Treatment of common sexually transmitted infections
• Prescribe and monitor HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP)
• Complete a scholarly activity in one or more areas of LGBTQ+ health
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing education though attendance at pertinent CME conferences, online modules, and/or teaching.
• Involvement in community volunteer work and healthcare advocacy.

Curriculum

Application

If you are interested in applying please send an email to Dr. Catherine Casey (CC5DS@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu) stating your interest in the gender health / LGBTQ+ track. Please also discuss any specific areas of interest and any specific research interests or ideas you may have.

Mandatory Requirements

• January course: Global Health Policy and Practice (one clinic session each week)
• January Course: Diseases of Burden in Low and Middle Income Countries (1 clinic session each week)
• Away Rotation (minimum of at least one rotation of four-week duration, 2 rotations permitted, one each year)
• IFMC Continuity Clinic

Points (must obtain 15 by graduation)

Notes:

• May not acquire multiple points for a single event. For example, if presenting at GHLT dinner may not also get points for attending dinner
• If due to extenuating circumstances all mandatory requirements are not met, substitution with alternative educational activities may be completed at the discretion of the program director

The HIV Area of Concentration will provide extensive experience and education to residents interested in making care of people with HIV a focus of their future practice. The HIV AOC is offered in collaboration with the UVA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Clinic and faculty from the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health. The AOC will require residents to devote both elective time and continuity clinic time to HIV-related clinical care, education and self-study and scholarly work (research or quality improvement).

Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the HIV AOC is to prepare residents to provide primary and HIV care to people with HIV. At the completion of this AOC, residents will be eligible to take the examination needed to qualify as an HIV Specialist (AAHIVS) from the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

Patient Care

• Provide care to a minimum of 25  number of patients in the Ryan White HIV clinic
• Demonstrate appropriate evaluation of a patient newly diagnosed with HIV.
• Demonstrate appropriate initiation and management of anti-retroviral therapy.
• Demonstrate appropriate management of co-occurring conditions in patients with HIV
• Demonstrate appropriate provision of primary medical care to patient with HIV
• Demonstrate appropriate prevention of opportunistic infections and neoplasms in patients with HIV
• Counsel patients and partners on prevention of HIV
• Incorporate an understanding of the Social Determinants of Health in caring for patients with HIV

Medical Knowledge

• Describe current recommendations for screening for and prevention of HIV, with consideration for an individual’s risk
• Describe clinically relevant virology, immunology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of HIV infection and treatment
• Describe strategies for diagnosis and evaluation of patient’s with unrecognized or newly diagnosed HIV infection
• Describe how to select and use antiretroviral medications, including appropriate monitoring.
• Describe strategies for monitoring, evaluation and treatment of co-occurring conditions in patients with HIV.
• Describe important considerations in the primary care of a patient with HIV.

Systems-Based Practice

• Describe the funding sources and organizational structure of the UVA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Clinic
• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate care for patients with HIV
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in shared decision-making with patients that takes into account the patient’s financial situation and other resources
• Identify an opportunity to improve the process of care for patients with HIV in the UVA Health System
• Identify opportunities for advocacy for patients/populations with or at risk for HIV

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

• Identify individual learning goals related to the care of patients with HIV, recommend and implement a learning plan

• Demonstrate the ability to analyze performance and quality data for your patients with HIV, identify areas for improvement and recommend interventions to close performance gaps.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate compassionate, non-judgmental care for patients with HIV
• Demonstrate respect for team members of the interprofessional care team
• Identify ethical considerations in the care of HIV patients and analyze situations using ethical principles when necessary
• Perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely manner
• Recognize situations that may affect your own and others well-being and seek help in addressing these situations.

Interpersonal Communication

• Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients and their family/supports, regardless of the complexity of the situation.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform a patient-centered history of sexual practices and substance use
• Maintain awareness of your personal biases and actively work to minimize their impact on the patient-physician relationship
• Use shared decision-making to align patient’s values, goals, and preferences with treatment options to make a management plan
• Communicate effectively with other team members of the interprofessional care team

Curriculum

• Clinical
  • Attend scheduled clinic sessions in the UVA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinic
  • Provide appropriate in basket management for your patients in the Ryan White HIV Clinic
• Didactic
  • Complete assigned modules of the National HIV Curriculum
  • Participate in scheduled didactic sessions
•  Scholarship of Teaching
  • PGY2 – prepare and present a lecture/discussion on HIV screening, prevention or management relevant for a practicing Family Physician.
  • PGY3 – prepare and present a Grand Rounds on HIV screening, prevention or management relevant for a practicing Family Physician
• Scholarship – research or QI
  • Design and complete a scholarly project relevant to HIV care (original research, clinical/educational quality improvement project, case study or systematic review) and present the project within the residency and/or at another appropriate local, regional or national forum.
• Elective Time
  • 1 month in PGY2, 1 month in PGY3
  • Completion of National HIV Curriculum
  • PGY2 – preparation of presentation of lecture/discussion
  • Work on research or QI project

Application

• Please submit an e-mail to Dr. Gazewood expressing your interest in the AOC in HIV Care
  • Explain your interest in HIV care and how you plan to incorporate HIV care into your practice in the future.

The purpose of this is to prepare residents for independent evidence-informed practice of low-risk family-centered obstetrics and maternity care.

Goal

The goal of this AOC is for residents to attain competence in the evidence-informed practice of low-risk family-centered birth and maternity care.

Objectives

• demonstrate proficiency in management of 
  • preconception counseling
    • describe components and integrate in routine care
      • medical, social risk assessment including addressing chronic illness/medication ie mental health, htn, hypothyroidism
      • preconception folic acid
  • prenatal care
    • OB intake visits
    • medical and social needs
    • pregnancy education counseling
    • risk stratification including need for prophylactic asa 
    • management of chronic medication medication during pregnancy
  • intrapartum care
    • vaginal delivery (80)
    • induction of labor
    • risk stratification (appropriate consultation, escalation of care)
    • recognition and mgmt of common obstetrical emergencies
      • need for assisted delivery
      • shoulder dystocia
      • PPH
    • demonstrate use of vacuum device for assisted delivery
    • management of third stage of labor
    • laceration repair
  • postpartum care
    • discharge counseling
    • perineal care (immediately and distantly postpartum)
    • counseling, screening, and management of peri-/postpartum mood disorders
    • postpartum contraception
  • lactation

• demonstrate systems-based care with regards to interdisciplinary care
  • collaborative care with consulting services
    • obstetrics and gynecology
    • lactation medicine (and pediatrics, as applicable)
    • doula support
    • social work
• demonstrate understanding of evidence that informs each level of maternity care
• demonstrate proficiency in low-risk obstetrical ultrasound
  • early pregnancy dating
  • MVP
  • determining position
• demonstrate proficiency in interpreting fetal heart tracing
  • NST
  • intrapartum fetal monitoring

Requirements

• complete four one-month blocks of maternity care
  • two core curriculum blocks (UVA OB during PGY1, PWOB during PGY2)
  • two additional blocks in PGY2/3 years at UVA or other with special arrangement
• complete at least 80 vaginal deliveries
• at least 10 are continuity deliveries
• continuity clinic with Dr. Maughan
  • minimum of 16 clinics with Dr. Maughan (currently Wednesday mornings)
• participation in one family-centered maternity care scholarly project (QI project, research) over the course of 2 years (optional)
• participate in chart review for 10 family medicine obstetrics patients 
• complete OB ultrasound training with Dr. Scavone fetal presentation, MVP, dating
• teach one of OB Series sessions annually and participation in skills workshops (2)
• complete ALSO course
• teach mini-ALSO for orientation during PGY-3 year.
• OB M&M 7:30-8:00 on third Wed am if scheduled in clinic with Dr. Maughan.

Application

At  this time, one resident per class will be accepted to the Maternity Care AOC.

Applications will be considered for residents at any point through December 31 of their PGY-2 year. If an individual applies to the AOC in their intern year, the remainder of the class will be notified and other interested individuals in that class will be asked to submit applications within 6 weeks so that applications from all interested parties can be considered in a timely manner and curricular planning can occur. Reach out to Dr. Maughan if you have questions about this process.

In order to apply, please submit an e-mail to Dr. Maughan expressing your interest in the AOC in Family-Centered Maternity Care.

In the email, explain your interest in maternity care, including how maternity care factors into your career plans.

Describe an area of research or other scholarship you are interested in pursuing during the AOC (optional)

The primary care sports medicine area of concentration has been developed to provide education, training and exposure to primary care sports medicine endeavors that surpass the required core education and training during the standard University of Virginia Family Medicine Residency experience. This area of concentration can be pursued by those residents considering fellowship education and training in primary care sports medicine. The AOC is available for up to two residents in each of the PGY2 and PGY3 years (four total residents on the AOC).

Goals and Objectives

The area of concentration in sports medicine gives family medicine residents at the University of Virginia Family Medicine residency the opportunity to engage more fully in the primary care sports medicine endeavors that surround them during residency. These opportunities may include additional sports medicine training via event coverage, scholarly activities, and possible work in the University of Virginia athletic training room, amongst others. By completing the requirements of the sports medicine area of concentration, residents will exceed core requirements during residency, develop a strong foundation in sports medicine in preparation for their future careers and develop a portfolio that can be utilized for fellowship application, future credentialing, etc. The sports medicine area of concentration is individualized to meet the needs of the family medicine resident and their future practice in family medicine.

Objectives

• Provide coverage as a team physician and provide mass event coverage under the guidance of sports medicine faculty.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist and/or manage on-site clinical exposure in the assessment and management of acute musculoskeletal injuries.
• Demonstrate improved skills in the following:
  • Casting and splinting
  • Concussion evaluation and management
  • Joint and soft tissue injections
  • Musculoskeletal radiology/ultrasound
  • Pre-participation physical exams
  • Rehabilitation
• Demonstrate scholarly activity in one or more areas of sports medicine, such as:
  • Original research
  • Clinical or educational quality improvement (QI) projects
  • Case studies
  • Systematic reviews
  • Presentation of poster or podium presentation at a regional or national meeting
• Demonstrate skill in sports medicine education
  • Prepare and present a “sports medicine” case
  • Assist in teach
• To receive longitudinal mentoring by sports medicine faculty for:
  • Game and mass event coverage
  • Scholarly activity
  • Assistance in selecting elective rotations in musculoskeletal and sports medicine
  • Membership to professional sports medicine organizations
  • Attendance at national sports medicine CME conferences

Requirements

• Complete the required four-week family medicine residency sports medicine rotation and orthopedic rotation.
• High School Team Coverage
  • Completed in PGY2 year
  • Dr. Larry Keller, Orange Family Physicians, provide coverage for the Orange County High School Football Team
• Mass Event Coverage
  • Participate in 1 during PGY1 Year
  • Participate in 1 during PGY 2 Year
  • Participate in 2 during PGY 3 Year
  • Options for Mass Event Coverage Include
    • The Women’s 4-miler
    • The Men’s 4-miler
    • The Charlottesville 10-miler
    • FUMA Cross-Country Invitational
    • Montpelier Races
• Teaching
  • PGY2 – prepare and present a “Sports Medicine Case of the Month” during conference, during your Sports Medicine Rotation
  • PGY3 – prepare and present a “Sports Medicine Case of the Month” based on an athlete seen in the training room or during coverage
  • PGY2 and PGY3 – Organized and lead splinting session for clinical skills night for medical students (if rotation and call schedule allow)
  • If schedule allows, participate in teaching exam skills to more junior residents during EFM 1 and EFM2
• Design and complete a scholarly project relevant to sports medicine (original research, clinical/educational quality improvement project, case study or systematic review) and present the project within the residency and/or at another appropriate local, regional or national forum.
  • This should be done in collaboration with a Sports Medicine Faculty member, and could include work on a faculty  project
• Attend at least one national sports medicine CME conference such as American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) or American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and/or an Advanced Team Physician Course.
  • Ideally, this should be done in PGY2 year
  • If you present, you can receive funding from the department to support expenses for the trip.
• Athletic Training Room at UVA
  • PGY 3 Block or Longitudinal Elective rotation
  • Must complete following requirements to qualify for participation in the training room
    • High School Sports Coverage
    • Event coverage
    • PGY 2 Teaching Activities
    • Sufficient progress in a scholarly project
• Elective opportunities (not required)
  • MSK US rotation with PMR
  • Sports Medicine Orthopedics
  • Away electives

Application

• Please submit an e-mail to Dr. Kent expressing your interest in the AOC in Sports Medicine
  • Explain your interest in Sports Medicine, including how Sports Medicine factors into your career plans
  • Describe an area of research or other scholarship you are interested in pursuing during the AOC.