Curriculum
3 Year Family Residency Program Schedule
Each cell represents 4 weeks
First Year (PGY1) Block Rotations
Orientation - Welcome to Lowell Experience (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Core Faculty Team
The Welcome to Lowell Experience gives new residents the tools and foundation they need for success over the next three years. Mornings are dedicated to clinic immersion, beginning with one-on-one precepting as residents become familiar with workflows, the EMR—and hearing their name paired with the word “Doctor.” A few mornings are also reserved for orientation to inpatient medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics services at Lowell General Hospital.
Afternoons focus on small-group didactics led by core faculty. These sessions help strengthen skills in areas such as EKG and chest x-ray interpretation, patient communication, and more. Residents will also take a community tour to get to know Lowell and the surrounding area—where they, and many of their patients, live, work, and play.
Each day, residents spend time with their new classmates, building the strong connections and group trust that will support them throughout residency—and often long after.
Adult Medicine (12 Weeks)
Inpatient Adult Medicine (8 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
The inpatient adult medicine rotation at Lowell General Hospital offers residents deep experience in the comprehensive, team-based care of hospitalized adults. Residents care for patients with a wide range of conditions—from common to complex—and benefit from exposure to the broad diversity of those who seek care at the hospital.
During this first-year rotation, residents work one-on-one with both core family medicine faculty and inpatient hospitalists, managing a panel of patients and developing clinical confidence.
Weekly noon case conferences and Grand Rounds provide structured learning, while bedside teaching is woven into each day. Residents also gain experience in the care of seriously ill patients, with the support of a skilled palliative care team.
Inpatient Adult Medicine Night Float (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
The inpatient adult medicine night float rotation at Lowell General Hospital offers the same depth of clinical experience as daytime rotations, with a focus on acute presentations and overnight admissions. During this block, R1 residents work one-on-one with inpatient hospitalists, caring for patients throughout the hospital—including the intensive care unit.
Obstetrics (8 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinators: Jennifer Wolf, MD and Marian Younge, MD
During the obstetrics rotation at Lowell General Hospital, residents gain hands-on experience in labor and delivery while working with a multidisciplinary team that includes family medicine faculty, midwives, and OB/GYNs. Residents evaluate obstetric triage patients, interpret non-stress tests, manage labors, and, if desired, participate in cesarean sections. They also care for postpartum pairs, providing continuity through the perinatal period.
Pediatrics and Newborn Nursery (4 Weeks)
Inpatient Pediatrics (3 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD
This rotation provides residents with experience in the care of hospitalized infants and children within a community hospital setting. Supervised by Tufts Medicine pediatric hospitalists, residents learn to manage common pediatric conditions and to stabilize patients who require transfer to a higher level of care.
Newborn Nursery (1 Week)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD
Though this block is dedicated to newborn care, residents also care for newborns during the inpatient pediatrics rotation, depending on patient volume. In addition, during obstetrics, residents care for newborns they deliver, forming the foundation for mother-infant continuity. This experience is supervised by Tufts Medicine pediatric hospitalists.
ICU Critical Care (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
In the latter half of the year, residents spend two weeks working with the multidisciplinary intensivist team. This rotation focuses on the evaluation, stabilization, and management of critically ill patients, including airway management and complex decision-making. Residents gain experience with goals-of-care discussions, supported by the palliative care team. This block prepares residents for the increased responsibility of their R2 year.
BH Behavioral Health (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation introduces residents to behavioral health care in a primary care setting. Working alongside psychiatric prescribers and therapists, residents gain skills in evaluating and managing mental health concerns commonly seen in outpatient care. The rotation also includes experience responding to urgent behavioral health needs through in-person evaluations.
OPP Outpatient Pediatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation offers a strong foundation in pediatric and adolescent primary care, including experience in school-based health centers at both a middle and high school. Residents work with pediatric providers and have focused time in the autism clinic. Additional exposure includes Pediatric GI, Neurology, and Cardiology clinics with Tufts specialists.
MSK Musculoskeletal Care (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinators: Marian Younge, MD and Majed Abbas, MD
Residents work directly with a local orthopedic specialist and receive hands-on training from family medicine faculty during procedure clinics. The experience is supplemented by workshops in casting, splinting, joint aspiration, and joint injections.
GYN (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinators: Marian Younge, MD and Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents care for patients in the OB/Family Planning clinic at Lowell CHC alongside faculty, OB/GYNs, midwives, and nurse practitioners. The rotation focuses on evaluation and treatment of common gynecologic conditions, as well as prenatal care. Residents become proficient in pelvic exams, Pap smears, and contraception counseling, and gain experience with procedures such as LARC insertion and removal, endometrial biopsy, and point-of-care ultrasound.
Geriatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
Over the course of the three years residents will spend dedicated time learning the specific skills needed for the care of their geriatric patients. They will spend several sessions with our own geriatrician, Dr. Roberts, as they learn to evaluate issues with memory, function, mobility, medication management (and appropriate deprescribing), and prioritizing the patient’s values in care. There will also be opportunities for care in the community and management of nursing home patients.
Dermatology (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jennifer Wolf, MD
The dermatology rotation takes place at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where residents work with a Tufts Medicine dermatologist. The experience is supplemented by time in procedure clinic with core family medicine faculty, performing skin biopsies and other common dermatologic procedures.
Outpatient Mix (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Cara Marshall, MD
The outpatient mix rotation occurs each year of residency and includes experience in surgical subspecialties (Urology, ENT, and eye care at Lowell CHC’s Eye Care Center), dental care in our in-house clinic, lactation services, POCUS, the internal LTBI clinic, and a variety of medical specialties.
Community Medicine (Longitudinal Rotation)
Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation helps residents understand the Lowell community and the challenges of providing care in a low-resource urban area. Residents examine how social, economic, and environmental factors affect health and learn about local and statewide resources that support patients. The rotation also includes exposure to global health perspectives and the diverse backgrounds and health experiences of people living in Lowell.
Health Systems Management (Longitudinal Rotation)
Jessica Fournier, MD
This rotation serves as part of longitudinal coursework concerning health systems management and will concentrate on practical aspects of health management. Over the course of all three years we will cover the basics of the business of medicine including understanding types of medical practices, how insurance impacts patients and reimbursement, billing and coding, and the importance of QI in positively impacting patient outcome and streamlining office practices.
Electives (4 Weeks)
Electives are planned in coordination with the core faculty advisor to expand the breadth of experience and provide depth in a resident’s areas of interest. Each resident’s individualized learning plan guides elective selection. Pre-arranged electives are available in many areas, including hematology/oncology, gastroenterology, adolescent medicine, addiction services, palliative care, and others. Residents may also create custom electives.
Second Year (PGY2) Block Rotations
Adult Medicine (8 Weeks)
Inpatient Adult Medicine (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
Residents manage a team of patients at Lowell General Hospital, working with family medicine faculty and inpatient hospitalists. Residents gain experience with a wide range of conditions and assume a supervisory role with interns and medical students. Weekly noon conferences and Grand Rounds continue, along with bedside teaching and coordination with the palliative care team for patients with serious illness.
Inpatient Adult Medicine Night Float (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
This night float rotation emphasizes acute care and hospital admissions. Early in the year, R2s work in teams with interns under hospitalist supervision. Later, they take on more independent responsibility while still being supervised.
Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery (4 Weeks)
Inpatient Pediatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD
Residents supervise interns and manage a team of hospitalized children at Lowell General Hospital. Teaching is led by Tufts Medicine pediatric hospitalists and includes care of common pediatric conditions and stabilization of those needing specialty care.
Special Care Nursery (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD
Residents work one-on-one with a Tufts neonatologist in the Level II nursery, caring for infants requiring monitoring, feeding support, or transitioning from NICU care.
Adult and Pediatric ER (6 Weeks)
Adult ER (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents work with emergency medicine attendings at both Lowell General ER locations, managing acute medical presentations, performing procedures, and gaining experience with fast-track care. POCUS is used frequently for diagnosis.
Pediatric ER (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents care for children presenting to the ER with both common and uncommon conditions. The high-volume environment supports skill development and confidence.
Palliative Care (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
This rotation gives residents exposure to patient-centered communication, advanced care planning, and symptom management at end-of-life. They collaborate with palliative care teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
GYN (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinators: Marian Younge, MD and Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents continue their development from R1, building independence in gynecologic procedures. The rotation includes training in colposcopy, menopause care, and prenatal care for higher-risk pregnancies.
MSK Musculoskeletal Care (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD and Majed Abbas, MD
Residents work with an orthopedic specialist and continue their training in procedures including joint injections, casting, and splinting.
Surgery (2 Weeks)
Cara Marshall, MD
This rotation includes outpatient experiences in general, bariatric, breast, and colorectal surgery. Residents also round at the hospital and participate in surgical procedures with a focus on suturing skills.
Outpatient Mix (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Cara Marshall, MD
This recurring rotation includes surgical subspecialties (Urology, ENT, and eye care), dental services, lactation, POCUS, the internal LTBI clinic, and various medical specialties.
Adolescent Medicine (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
The adolescent medicine rotation will take place primarily at our school-based health centers, and will focus specifically on care and issues pertinent to the adolescent including safety issues related to puberty, drug/alcohol use, driving, safe sex practices, and fostering a sense of independence and ownership of health in teen patients.
OPP Outpatient Pediatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation provides a strong foundation in pediatric primary care and includes school-based care at a local middle and high school. Residents also have focused time in the autism clinic and attend Pediatric GI, Neurology, and Cardiology clinics with Tufts specialists.
Geriatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
Over the course of the three years residents will spend dedicated time learning the specific skills needed for the care of their geriatric patients. They will spend several sessions with our own geriatrician, Dr. Roberts, as they learn to evaluate issues with memory, function, mobility, medication management (and appropriate deprescribing), and prioritizing the patient’s values in care. There will also be opportunities for care in the community and management of nursing home patients.
Electives (6 Weeks)
Electives are coordinated with the core faculty advisor to expand knowledge and skills in specific interest areas. Pre-arranged options include hematology/oncology, gastroenterology, adolescent medicine, addiction services, and palliative care. Residents may also design custom electives.
Community Medicine (Longitudinal Rotation)
Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation deepens residents’ understanding of the Lowell community and challenges of providing care in a low-resource setting. It includes training on the social and environmental factors affecting health and an overview of local and statewide services. Residents also explore global perspectives relevant to Lowell’s international population.
Health Systems Management (Longitudinal Rotation)
Jessica Fournier, MD
This rotation serves as part of longitudinal coursework concerning health systems management and will concentrate on practical aspects of health management. Over the course of all three years we will cover the basics of the business of medicine including understanding types of medical practices, how insurance impacts patients and reimbursement, billing and coding, and the importance of QI in positively impacting patient outcome and streamlining office practices.
Third Year (PGY3) Block Rotations
Adult Medicine (8 Weeks)
Inpatient Adult Medicine (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
Senior residents at Lowell General Hospital lead care teams managing adults with a wide range of conditions, both common and complex. Residents supervise interns and medical students and participate in weekly case conferences and Grand Rounds. Teaching continues at the bedside, and residents collaborate with the hospital’s palliative care service for seriously ill patients.
Inpatient Adult Medicine Night Float (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
The night float rotation provides an opportunity for residents to manage acute presentations and admissions independently or with an intern, under the supervision of hospitalists.
Adult and Pediatric ER (6 Weeks)
Adult ER (4 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents care for acutely ill patients at both the Main Campus and Saints Memorial Campus of Lowell General. They gain experience in urgent care, high-acuity triage, and fast-track medicine, and continue developing procedural skills such as laceration repair and incision and drainage. POCUS is used as a diagnostic tool.
Pediatric ER (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jennifer Wolf, MD
In this high-volume emergency department, residents gain experience with common and complex pediatric presentations. The rotation focuses on improving confidence and independence in pediatric emergency care.
OPP Outpatient Pediatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Majed Abbas, MD
Residents provide pediatric and adolescent care in community-based settings, including middle and high schools. They spend time in the autism clinic and rotate through Pediatric GI, Neurology, and Cardiology clinics with Tufts specialists.
Geriatrics (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
Over the course of the three years residents will spend dedicated time learning the specific skills needed for the care of their geriatric patients. They will spend several sessions with our own geriatrician, Dr. Roberts, as they learn to evaluate issues with memory, function, mobility, medication management (and appropriate deprescribing), and prioritizing the patient’s values in care. There will also be opportunities for care in the community and management of nursing home patients.
GYN (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinators: Marian Younge, MD and Jennifer Wolf, MD
Residents continue developing their outpatient procedural skills in gynecology and assume a lead role in counseling patients on topics such as contraception, infertility, menopause symptom management, and family planning. They provide prenatal care, including for high-risk pregnancies and early pregnancy loss.
MSK Musculoskeletal Care (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Marian Younge, MD and Majed Abbas, MD
Residents refine orthopedic exam and management skills while working with a local orthopedist. The experience includes casting, splinting, aspiration, and joint injections under family medicine faculty guidance.
Addiction (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Jessica Fournier, MD
BH Behavioral Health (2 Weeks)
Majed Abbas, MD
Residents deepen their experience with behavioral health integration in primary care, conduct acute behavioral assessments, and co-manage patients with psychiatric prescribers. The rotation emphasizes developing comfort with mental health concerns in outpatient practice.
Surgery (2 Weeks)
Cara Marshall, MD
Residents rotate through outpatient clinics in general surgery, bariatric, breast, and colorectal surgery. They also participate in inpatient rounds and operating room time with a general surgeon and podiatrist.
Community Medicine (Longitudinal Rotation)
Majed Abbas, MD
This rotation deepens residents’ understanding of the Lowell community and challenges of providing care in a low-resource setting. It includes training on the social and environmental factors affecting health and an overview of local and statewide services. Residents also explore global perspectives relevant to Lowell’s international population.
HSM Health Systems Management (2 Weeks)
Jessica Fournier, MD
This rotation offers advanced exposure to healthcare administration, including quality improvement, resource management, and leadership in primary care systems.
HIV/Hepatitis (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Cara Marshall, MD
Residents work with HIV and hepatitis care teams, learning evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and longitudinal management. They gain experience with PrEP, screening, and patient counseling.
Outpatient Mix (2 Weeks)
Faculty Coordinator: Cara Marshall, MD
This final outpatient mix rotation includes subspecialties in ophthalmology, ENT, urology, dental, and specialty clinics in LTBI, lactation, and more. Residents consolidate procedural and clinical skills in preparation for graduation.
AOC Area of Concentration (8 Weeks)
Residents pursue deeper training in an identified area of focus such as GYN, addiction medicine, or population health, supported by mentoring and elective selection.
Electives (4 Weeks)
Electives support personalized learning goals and may include clinical, procedural, academic, or advocacy experiences. A scholarly elective option is available to complete quality improvement or research capstone projects.
