Message from the Program Director
Erin Philpott, DO
We have designed our program to prepare you for a successful, sustainable and meaningful career in medicine. Our program mission emphasizes the importance of balance and interconnectedness among self, colleagues, patients, community, and the land, striving to enhance the well-being of all. To achieve this, we have curated a rigorous but balanced purpose-driven curriculum.
We offer comprehensive training that encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring you attain core competencies essential for internal medicine practice. Rotations will be primarily based out of San Juan Regional medical Center (SJRMC). SJRMC is a 198-bed community owned and operated hospital located in San Juan County in Northwest New Mexico serving the culturally rich and geographically diverse beautiful four corners region. We serve the underserved with 24% of adults and 30% of children living below the poverty line which is notably higher compared to the state and national average. We serve a racially diverse population with nearly 40% Native Americans. Life expectancy in San Juan County is 71 years as compared to the US life expectancy of 76 years. As a result, our patient population is high acuity and medically complex offering unrivaled learning opportunities and potential for positive impact.
We foster a deep appreciation for primary care through innovative educational experiences that include cultural immersion, specialty rotations, exploration of healthcare systems beyond the clinic, and analysis of continuity clinic panels to understand the impact of social determinants of health. As the only teaching program within our health system, you will have the opportunity for well-supported, robust POCUS program and procedural training, beginning with simulation and advancing to supervised repetition, tailored to individual interests and career aspirations.
Our program instills a strong foundation in quality improvement processes, evidence-based research, and critical analysis of medical literature. Recognizing the significance of well-being, we maintain a rigorous wellness curriculum that promotes health, life balance, and a sense of community. Professionalism and inclusivity are cornerstones of our training, as we prepare you to become exemplary internal medicine physicians committed to excellence and equity in healthcare.
Several unique rotation opportunities will be offered including, but not limited to: Street Medicine, a highly encouraged third year rotation to Whakatane, New Zealand, and a high-altitude medicine rotation.
Living in Farmington, New Mexico, offers a vibrant mix of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby landscapes like the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness and the San Juan River providing excellent hiking, biking, and river rafting experiences. Farmington's thriving arts scene includes local galleries, theaters, and music festivals, fostering a strong sense of community among young creatives. With a relatively low cost of living, access to diverse dining options, and a variety of local events, such as the Four Corners Musical Theatre and the annual Red Apple Farm Fair, residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle filled with adventure and cultural richness. Adventure awaits, whether exploring the stunning natural surroundings stretching across the four corners or engaging in the lively local scene.
We have highly motivated faculty and staff ready to welcome and support you in a high-quality training environment. Thank you for your interest in our program, and we invite you to apply to be a part of shaping the resident culture in our beautiful region.
View our Mission and Aims
