Walter and Irene Baran Schuylkill Family Medicine Residency Program

The Walter and Irene Baran Schuylkill Family Medicine Residency (formerly known as LVHN Schuylkill Rural Family Medicine Residency) was named thanks to the generosity of Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill Board Member Tony Baran and his wife Sandy. The Walter and Irene Baran Schuylkill Family Medicine Residency is a rurally based 4-4-4 full-spectrum family medicine residency, where residents have the opportunity to both live and work in a rural (but not remote) community, training one-on-one with community physicians and gaining experience as a physician leader. One of the things that truly sets us apart from other residency programs is the level of involvement by our community, as highlighted by the generosity of the Baran family.

You can learn more about the Baran family in the Community Involvement section.

Clinical experience

The residency culture throughout Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) promotes evidence-informed, relationship-centered learning. The clinical experience emphasizes continuity outpatient primary care, emergency care, inpatient medicine and obstetrical/maternity care, with the option of selecting a third-year track for additional training in a specific area of interest. Inpatient training takes place at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill, a community hospital within LVHN. Outpatient family medicine encounters occur at the continuity clinic, which serves as our home site. Here you will see a panel of your own patients in a longitudinal fashion. You will be trained in office-based procedures with emphasis on those commonly performed in rural practice. Behavioral health is integrated into the continuity clinic, allowing you to gain hands-on skills while working alongside a behaviorist. You also will have an opportunity to engage in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) training and provide care to MAT continuity patients with opioid use disorder.  

Finding joy in rural practice

Another key component is our focus on sustaining joy in practicing as a rural physician. Living and working in a community where your presence is both appreciated and welcomed is an integral part of our program. We encourage a culture that promotes growing a full-spectrum family physician who cares for the community while supporting personal well-being. This is achieved through a variety of community partner experiences designed to enhance the care of your patients and allow you to truly know the community in which you practice. Our community has been an integral part of the creation of this program and is excited to welcome you! 

Finding balance

As a family medicine program, we love families and understand the importance of balancing work and family life. Whether you are a family of one or more (or are planning to expand your family during the residency), we would love to be a part of your family’s journey. Our program allows time for you and your family to experience all Schuylkill County has to offer.

Whether it’s unwinding outdoors, at a concert or sporting event or in some other way, we will help you to find the best spots to relax. You can learn more about what makes Schuylkill County unique by viewing the Community Involvement section.

Welcome videos

Watch videos below from members of our faculty to hear about the program in their own words.