What kind of applicants are you looking for?
We are looking for the type of individual who will excel in this new and exciting learning environment. Self-motivated applicants with maturity, flexibility, and leadership will thrive here, as will those who are interested in taking an active role in developing the traditions and culture of this residency for years to come. Team players who are reliable and creative will be highly regarded. We are also looking for humanistic individuals who possess a global citizen view of the world and would like to become involved with and make an impact on the community in which they work.
Are there opportunities for off-campus or international rotations?
Yes! Our electives allow for incredible flexibility. Off campus electives can be taken at other Kaiser medical centers, UC San Francisco, community clinics, private offices, or international locations. The Kaiser Permanente Global Health Program funds licensed residents for a variety of international programs. Residents may also set up their own international rotations in other countries, and our residency has established an additional international rotation site in Honduras.
Do you have university affiliations?
We are an affiliate of the UC San Francisco School of Medicine. We also have strong relationships with the Stanford University School of Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Drexel University School of Medicine, and Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Third year medical students from these schools rotate with us for their third year family medicine clerkships.
We regularly participate in conferences, faculty development, and research as part of the UCSF Family Medicine Residency network with six other Northern California programs.
What type of board scores are necessary to get into your program?
Kaiser Residency and Fellowship programs across California tend to be very competitive. However, each program selects for interview and match based on the applicant’s entire file. It is important to have a well-rounded application that includes solid board scores, community involvement, a clearly defined passion for family medicine, and letters of recommendation that capture your clinical and personal strengths.
Where would I live?
The Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano Family Medicine Residency’s location is ideal for residents who are interested in living in Northern California. The residency is located in the vibrant city of Vallejo, a culturally diverse community that provides a reasonable cost of living and an historic downtown waterfront. We are also located within a reasonable commute from Berkeley, Napa, Marin, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco.
I’m going to be very busy. How can I still thrive and stay fit?
The Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano Family Medicine Residency Program promotes resident wellness and is dedicated to a healthy work/life balance. We strictly adhere to ACGME Resident Duty Hours requirements, offering rigorous training with a humane work schedule. Our supportive faculty members are role models, encouraging healthy and balanced lifestyles. Regularly scheduled Balint sessions and support group meetings, facilitated by our Behavioral Medicine faculty, help ensure our residents thrive. Residency training is challenging, regardless of specialty. Our program trains residents in the specific skills and positive coping strategies that have been shown to build resilience.
We focus on physical wellness and resident well-being by providing healthful foods in the cafeteria and a weekly Farmer’s Market at the medical center. There is an on-campus gym and numerous off-campus fitness centers in the area. Our location offers easy access to year-round, world-class skiing, biking, hiking, sailing and other outdoor recreational activities. Residents can enjoy the beauty, arts, and fine food of Napa Valley, and the cultural richness and urban amenities of the San Francisco Bay Area. A stipend is provided to pay for your gym membership.
Our residency offers access to Kaiser Permanente’s award-winning Physician Wellness Program, and we are dedicated to respecting the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of our residents’ experiences.