Florida State University College of Medicine-Winter Haven Hospital Program

Family Medicine Analyst Verified · Sep 15, 2026

Florida State University College of Medicine-Winter Haven Hospital Program

Florida State University College of Medicine-Winter Haven Hospital Program is a residency program specializing in Family Medicine, located in Winter Haven, Florida, directed by Nathan P. Falk, MD, MBA and coordinated by Samantha Yates. The program accepts applications through December 1, 2026 and holds an accreditation status of Continued. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (863) 280-6082. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

This is a newer, community-based Family Medicine residency founded through a partnership between FSU College of Medicine and BayCare Health System in Winter Haven, FL, built explicitly to address a primary care physician shortage in Polk County and central Florida. Training emphasizes full-scope, ambulatory-centered Family Medicine with unopposed obstetrics at a Level 2 women's hospital, inpatient experience at a 450-bed Leapfrog A-rated hospital, and a dedicated Community Medicine free-clinic rotation, all delivered without overnight in-house call. Research is present as an institutional resource (FSU-wide research infrastructure, mentorship pathways) but is not embedded in the residency curriculum itself, which is structured around broad clinical rotations rather than scholarly output. The program's stated purpose - training physicians to remain and practice in Winter Haven/Polk County/BayCare - signals a community-practice, workforce-driven identity rather than a subspecialty or academic pipeline.

Who it fits

An applicant drawn to full-spectrum, low-acuity-to-moderate community family medicine with strong ambulatory and obstetric experience who is seeking to build a long-term generalist practice in an underserved central Florida community rather than pursue fellowship or academic subspecialization.

Research intensity

Low - research resources exist at the institutional level but are not integrated into or emphasized within the residency curriculum.

Career orientation

Community Practice

Important

The program states a preference for candidates eligible to obtain a medical license under the Florida Board of Medicine's Department of Health/Medical Quality Assurance Division, and does not offer observerships.

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