About the Program
Training the Next Generation of Family Physicians in Lowell
Lowell Community Health Center is proud to launch a new Family Medicine Residency Program, accredited by the ACGME and built to expand access to care in Greater Lowell. This program prepares physicians to lead the future of family medicine — grounded in real-world training, and deep community connection.
For over 55 years, Lowell CHC has been a trusted healthcare home. With the start of this program, we’re building on that legacy — training family physicians who are ready to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Our first class of six residents begins in July 2026. This program isn’t just about education — it’s an investment in the future of care in Greater Lowell.
Why Train at Lowell CHC?
This residency offers hands-on, mission-driven training shaped by strong partnerships and real-world care:
- Academic Excellence: Affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medicine, offering a rich mix of clinical and academic experience.
- Hospital-Based Training: Inpatient rotations at Tufts Medicine’s Lowell General Hospital provide comprehensive exposure to acute care and complex cases.
- Health Center-Based Learning: Outpatient training at Lowell CHC connects residents to primary care, behavioral health, and preventive services — all under one roof.
- Built for the Real World: The curriculum prepares residents to practice broad-spectrum family medicine with confidence, compassion, and clinical skill.
Residents will build lasting relationships with patients, train alongside a collaborative care team, and graduate ready to lead in any setting.
Program Philosophy
A Program Designed for Future Physicians
Our goal is simple: to train exceptional family physicians who are ready to care for individuals and families across every stage of life — and to do it well.
What You’ll Learn
Residents in the program will:
- Build broad-spectrum skills through robust inpatient and outpatient training./li>
- Gain experience caring for patients with complex medical needs./li>
- Learn to deliver personalized, evidence-based care that prioritizes access and continuity./li>
- Develop leadership skills to help shape the future of care — one patient, one community at a time.
What You’ll Experience
- You’ll train in a supportive, cross-disciplinary environment that reflects the realities of modern primary care.
- You’ll learn to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.
- And you’ll be part of a growing network of family physicians who are improving health outcomes every day.
A Real-World Impact
This program is designed not only to train excellent doctors — but to expand access to care. In just its first three years, the residency will increase care capacity for more than 5,000 people in Greater Lowell.
Leadership Message
Dear Lowell CHC Family Medicine Residency applicants,
Greetings from Lowell! We are thrilled to have initial accreditation for our community health center-based Family Medicine Residency, supported by our strong academic affiliation with Tufts University School of Medicine. We will welcome our first class in 2026.
For more than five decades, Lowell Community Health Center has partnered with the people of Greater Lowell and grassroots organizations to strengthen community health, adjusting and adapting as needs change. We’re building on that experience to train broad-spectrum family physicians who are ready to meet the needs of their patients and communities throughout their careers.
With strong inpatient training at our local hospital, Tufts Lowell General, outpatient specialty rotations throughout Greater Lowell, a home base at Lowell Community Health Center for continuity and procedural clinics, and many other outpatient experiences – our residents will be deeply connected to our community from the start.
Lowell’s nickname is “Mill City,” named for the textile mills that defined the city in the 19th century. Since then, people from around the world have come here seeking opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. That tradition continues today, with a patient population whose experiences reflect a wide range of journeys. They shape a city that’s full of energy—where you’ll find food from every corner of the globe, active community organizations, and vibrant festivals throughout the year. With UMass Lowell creating energy and new ideas, and Boston less than 40 minutes away, Lowell is a wonderful place to live with something for everyone.
I’ve spent my career in family medicine education, and it’s truly magical to be part of the journey as residents grow—starting out eager, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelmed, and becoming confident, accomplished family doctors. Our graduates will carry with them a strong foundation in family medicine and a deep commitment to their patients, ready to launch careers that make a lasting impact.
If you’re looking for a close-knit residency with strong community roots – and a training experience that prepares you to deliver compassionate, whole-person care across the lifespan, I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and goals in family medicine.
Cara Marshall, MD (she/her)
Lowell CHC Family Medicine Residency Program Director
Clinical Associate Professor, Tufts Department of Family Medicine
