Arrowhead Riverside OB/GYN Physician Assistant Residency Program

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Frequently Asked Questions
 
How many Residents do you accept?
We try and keep 6-7 P.A. Residents on staff at all times. Resident start dates are typically staggard throughout the year, as many new residents graduate from school at different times of the year, and Physician Assistants who have been working, start when it is convenient for them.
 
Is there an application deadline?
There in no application deadline. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Applicants should submit applications 3 months prior to when they would like to start.
 
When should I apply?
Applicants should plan on submitting their application 3 months prior to when they would like to start.
 
When do I start if I am accepted?
If you are accepted into the program, you can start as soon as you have your California License. Start dates are discussed during your interview. We generally try and start our residents at their convenience.
 
What is the application process?
Once you decide you would like to apply to the residency program, I recommend submitting your application 3 months prior to when you would like to start. Once your complete application* is received you will be contacted to set up an interview date. During your interview we will discuss when you are hoping to potentially start. We will let you know of your acceptance status roughly two weeks after your interview.
 
*Note that students may submit incomplete applications as we interview most students prior to their graduation and students do not have PANCE scores, final transcripts or licensure to submit.
 
What happens after I am accepted to the Residency Program?
Once you have been accepted to the residency program we will notify you by mail and email. You will need to respond as soon as you have made your decision by either accepting or declining our offer. If you are a student we will discuss whether you have set a date for your PANCE exam. If you have a date scheduled we can generally plan on starting you 6 to 8 weeks after that date. If you are a working Physician Assistant and have your California licensure when you are accepted, you can start when it is convenient for you.
 
How do I apply for my California Licensure?
 Once you have decided to accept an offer you will need to get started applying for your California Licensure. To apply for your California P.A. License you will need to start by visiting http://www.pac.ca.gov/index.shtml. As soon as you graduate you can start your application process.
 
Who can send my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by Physician Assistants, Preceptors, or Attending Physicians. Letters can be mailed directly to me or sent in by you along with your application. All letters must be originals.  
 
What benefits are offered to Residents in the Residency Program?
We offer our P.A. OB/GYN residents an annual stipend of 40K, as well as full medical, dental and vision health benefits. Education allowance, food allowance, malpractice insurance, vacation time, and DEA licensing will also be provided for our P.A. residents. Graduates will receive 50 CME credits after the completion of the course. P.A. residents also attend several conferences and training courses in which they receive additional CME credits. Student loan deferment is also available to residents.
 
 How do I relocate to California?
If you will be relocating to California for your residency, I will try and offer you as much assistance as possible. Great cities for you to start your search are Redlands, Loma Linda, and Rancho Cucamonga. All three are great places to live and place you within 20 minutes from the hospital. Keep in mind that when you are taking call and working 70 to 80 hours a week a long drive can take its toll on you. So try to stay within reason when looking for a place to live. All relocation expenses are the responsibility of the potential applicant.
 
How many hours will I be working and how are they divided?
Residents typically work 70 to 80 hours a week. Each resident will take 2 to 2.5 calls per month which are part of your 80 hour work week. Residents are not permitted to work over 80 hours per week. Your call is taken on the weekends and you will generally have 1 weekend a month with no call. Calls can be divided up in 12 hour calls (half a call) or 24 hour call (One full call). Residents will take two months of Night Float where you will work Sunday to Thursday night shift. You will only be required to take half a call during this month. On your normal months your days will be spent between working Labor and Delivery, Clinic, Ultrasound, GYN, Continuity Clinics, and several other electives that you will take as your residency progresses.
 
Is your program Accredited with the ARC-PA?
We are currently in the process of completing our application in order to become accredited with the ARC-PA and expect to become fully accredited by Fall 2009.
 
How long has your residency been in existence?
We have been accepting PA Residents into our program since 2004. In August 2008 we will have had 15 residents complete the residency.
 
Where do I send my application?
Please send all applications to:
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Village, Modular 7 Attn: Christine Sims
400 N Pepper Ave
Colton, CA 92324
 
What if I have further questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any further questions. I am available by email at SimsCh@armc.sbcounty.gov or by phone at (909) 580-6320. I am happy to answer your quesitons and look forward to hearing from you.