How many positions do you offer each year?

Our program offers 8 positions each year. 

How old is your program? 

Our inaugural class started in July of 2021.  TriStar Southern Hills Family Medicine Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited, three-year program. 

What is the mission of your program? 

Our mission is to develop the next generation of physicians and physician leaders who are capable of providing broad-spectrum, evidence-based Family Medicine care in a variety of settings.  Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. 

Do you have opportunities for research? 

Residents have many opportunities to pursue their research interests and collaborate with faculty members on existing research projects.  They are also encouraged to design and implement individual projects with the assistance of our dedicated graduate medical education research director.  The program requires scholarly activities and quality improvement projects prior to graduation.  Many of our residents participate in quality improvement projects, regional presentations, and national presentations. 

What is the patient population like?

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center is a 126-bed hospital that provides healthcare to Davidson and surrounding counties.  We see patients from all over the middle Tennessee region.  Nashville is home to over 708,000 residents according to the US Census Bureau 2022 report.  Our service region extends far beyond the city!  Our patient population encompasses individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds who speak a multitude of languages and have unique medical and psychosocial needs.   

How are residents viewed by other departments of the institution? 

The residents are very well-received!  There is an expectation of strong clinical skills and work ethic from our residents.  We continually work hard to build a collegial atmosphere and a supportive culture. 

Are residents involved in medical student education?

Yes!  Residents have many opportunities to interact with and teach medical students in a variety of settings.  We encourage residents to be teachers in medicine! 

What are didactic sessions like for the residents?

Didactics occur during a protected half day every week.  These are attended in-person and resident participation is expected.  Resident didactics sessions are delivered in various formats, including PowerPoint presentations, case-based small group work, hands-on procedural workshops, and large group discussions.  Topics include the management of common medical conditions, the principles of scholarly activity, advocacy at the local and national level, and procedural techniques, among others. 

What types of procedures do residents perform?

Residents have opportunities to perform a variety of procedures.  There are many, but here are some to list! 

• Dermatology procedures, including shave biopsies, excisional biopsies, cryotherapy, punch biopsies, incision/drainage, and laceration repairs

• Women’s health procedures, including placement and removal of long-acting reversible contraception, including Nexplanons and intrauterine devices, Papanicolaou smears, and endometrial biopsies

• Hospital procedures, including central line placements, arterial line placements, lumbar punctures, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and newborn circumcisions

• Orthopedic and sports medicine procedures, including casting, splinting, diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures

What do residents do in their free time?

Living in Nashville offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the Music City!  There are dozens of outstanding restaurants and many natural parks, lakes, and rivers, where you can enjoy a multitude of recreational activities.  Nashville is home to many professional sports teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Soccer Club, and prestigious colleges and universities.  It offers many family-friendly amenities in a moderately large metropolis.  Our residents enjoy spending time with one another when they are not working.  The climate is mild and Nashville enjoys true seasons. 

What opportunities are available for my spouse, significant other, or family in Nashville? 

Nashville and its surrounding area have so much to offer as a place to live.  It is considered to be a very “happening” place.  There are many opportunities for careers due to its vibrant industry.  Nashville is home to many outstanding institutions, including Belmont University, Fisk University, Lipscomb University, Meharry Medical College, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Vanderbilt University, all of which offer graduate programs and cultural offerings.