Family Medicine (FCM)

Last updated: Dec 2024

High-yield "What I Wish I Knew”:

  • Because Family Medicine (FCM) is longitudinal, you’ll have to take the shelf exam at some point during your 3rd year (coordinators should reach out with more details on available testing dates). Many students find it hard to find time to study for FCM shelf in what is already a very busy year. Though challenging, if you can set aside some time to do a little FCM review/UWorld each FS-in-F2 day, that may really pay off, especially if you’re not able to schedule the exam during a time where you’ll have a lot of free time.

  • If a patient you are seeing is scheduling a follow-up appointment, if at all possible, if they can schedule for a date/time where you will be at FCM again (ask your attending if possible), it’s very cool to be able to see the same patient multiple times. That gives more of a true flavor of family medicine where you can build longitudinal relationships with patients!

What to expect for the rotation:

  • Longitudinal - 1 full-day every other week, paired with 1 or 2 preceptors

  • This will feel most similar to what you’ve likely done in Kanbar with standardized patients

  • You’ll be in the outpatient clinic. You’ll likely see 1-2 patients in the AM and 1-2 patients in the PM, maybe working up to 3 per half-day by the end of the year. Your preceptor may tell you which patients are good to see. Generally, MS3s will do a quick chart review, go in independently to take a history +/- exam, step out to present to attending (time-permitting), then go back with atttending to confirm some parts of the history/exam and close the loop with the patient. You’ll likely also be helping out with the notes for the patients you see as well.

  • Experiences may vary depending on your site, especially with how much autonomy you get and how many patients per day. If by the mid/end of the year your preceptor is still not letting you see patiently somewhat independently, I would advocate for this and maybe even bring up to FCM coordinators.

  • If you have time to briefly glance at the patients the night before, it can help to let your preceptor know if there’s any particular patients you want to see that day

  • Typical day:

    • ~7:30am/8am arrive: check in with preceptor

    • 8am-12pm: see 1-3 patients and work on notes

    • 12-12:30pm: lunch

    • 12:30-5:30pm ish: see 1-3 patients, work on notes. In the beginning stages, you may find yourself staying later to write notes. It will get faster with time and you’ll learn how to be more efficient!

Helpful studying resources (in addition to UWorld):

  • Emma Holliday videos

  • Dr. High Yield videos

  • Divine Intervention videos and podcasts