Training for the Future
Caring Health Center’s Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program provides novice nurse practitioners and physician associates with the guidance necessary to become expert and compassionate primary care providers who provide high level care to all who enter CHC’s doors. We teach clinical role modeling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative education with personalized opportunities and engagement.
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Caring Health Center has served Greater Springfield since 1995. It provides adult and pediatric primary, behavioral health and dental services to 20,000 patients in 20 communities each year. CHC is committed to eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity through providing accessible, value-driven healthcare for diverse, multi-ethnic communities in Western Massachusetts.
Program Overview:
CHC’s Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program consists of two components:
1. A one year residency program that begins in September and ends in August, though the start date can be adjusted. During the first year, the resident will participate in a mixture of didactic learning sessions, as well as precepted and guided experiences.
2. Upon completion of the Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program, participants are expected to fulfill an additional two year commitment of service as a staff provider at Caring Health Center.
Aloonee Adhikari, FNP (2022-2023 cohort)
Tallon Tomasi, FNP (2024-2025 cohort)
A Week in the Life of a FNP Resident
A typical week consists of 10 sessions, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. A session is equal to half of a day.
Breakdown of weekly activities
– 50% (5 sessions per week) Precepted Clinic: Residents will see their own patients under the guidance of the Residency Director or other preceptor. To minimize burnout, this schedule is designed to cater to the needs of the Resident.
– 20% (2 sessions per week) Mentored Clinic: Residents will work alongside another provider attending that provider’s patients.
– 20% (2 sessions per week) Specialty Clinic: Residents will have the opportunity to shadow non-primary care services both inside and outside of Caring Health Center.
– 10% (1 sessions per week) of Didactic/Administrative Duties: Residents will participate in classroom-based activities to expand on their graduate knowledge.
Specialty Rotations Offered:
• Pediatrics
• Urgent Care
• Family Planning/OB-GYN
• Diabetes Clinic
• Asthma Clinic
• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Behavioral Health
• Infectious Disease
• Complex Care Management (ACO team)
• Refugee Health
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
• If available, outside specialties can be arranged
Benefits of CHC’s Advanced Practice Provider Residency Program
Competitive salary, HRSA student loan forgiveness eligibility, health and dental coverage and paid time off, as well as Continuing Medical Education reimbursement.