Family Medicine Residency Network Report

Molly Polvernto, MS Director, Residency Network

This past year, the Family Medicine Residency Network (FMRN) continued its focus on leadership development, practice transformation, and resident and faculty wellness. In May, 52 second year residents representing eight member programs, participated in our Annual Senior Resident Leadership retreat, a two-day program focused on leadership styles, skills, and tools. Attendees at this retreat were taught by Dr. Mark Vogel of the Ascension Genesys Family Medicine Residency Program as well as Dr. Randy Pearson and Dr. Robert Darios from the Sparrow Family Medicine Residency Program. Residents highly rated both the presenters and the retreat, which also featured recreational activities and unplanned time for them to relax and learn more about each other.

At our Annual Network Retreat in September, we were honored to welcome Dr. Marianna Kong from the University of California, San Francisco, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Kong provided an overview of the “Clinic First” model, which is aimed at restoring the primacy of continuity of care in residency programs as a way to minimize tension between inpatient and outpatient responsibilities. We also featured presentations by Dr. David Klee (Munson Family Medicine Residency Program) and Dr. Martha Rumschlag (Ascension Providence Family Medicine Residency Program) regarding efforts in their programs to put “Clinic First” into action.

We are excited that the FMRN continues to grow. This year we welcomed a new member, the Spectrum Health Family Medicine Residency Program. We also welcomed 2nd year residents from the MidMichigan/Gratiot Family Medicine Residency to the Senior Resident Leadership Retreat for the first time. As our member program Directors and Coordinators meet quarterly, we continue to develop new education and scholarly projects aimed at improved collaboration and information sharing among all member faculty and residents.