Frequently Asked Questions

Is your residency program accredited by the ACGME?

Our program received initial accreditation at the April 2025 meeting of the ACGME Family Medicine Review Committee and is now actively recruiting for our inaugural cohort.
How many positions are available in your program?

Our program recruits for 2 categorical positions each year for a total complement of 6 positions.
Is there support for research and conference attendance?

The Willis Knighton Health/Claiborne Memorial Medical Center Rural Family Medicine Residency Program is invested in the growth, development, and success of our residents. Our organization has robust offerings related to research, and many opportunities to pursue scholarly activity. The Office of Graduate Medical Education will support resident publication and presentation at local, regional, and national conference in accordance with institutional practices.
Do you accept international medical school graduates?

We welcome international medical school graduates to apply to our program.
Does your institution sponsor visas?

We sponsor J-1 visas for qualified and eligible applicants.
Do you have a minimum USMLE score?

Although there is no firm minimum for USMLE scores, we prefer candidates who score above 220 on Step 2 CK or 450 on COMLEX Level 2.
Should I still apply to your program if I failed the USMLE on a prior attempt?

We prefer candidates who pass the USMLE exams on the first attempt but evaluate candidates from a holistic perspective.
Do you accept COMLEX scores?

Our program accepts either COMLEX or USMLE exam scores, or both exams as well.
When do the new residents start?

Orientation begins at the end of June. The academic year for PGY-1 residents begins on July 1^st.
Will I be working with Medical Students?
Willis Knighton Health and Claiborne Memorial Medical Center have a proud tradition of educating medical students, and recently expanded their academic affiliations to include numbers allopathic and osteopathic schools, including:
- Ochsner Health LSU-Shreveport School of Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT) at Arkansas State
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM)
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) at ULM
Residents will have the chance to work with medical students during their inpatient rotations, and during various specialty rotations.
Is your program recruiting for categorical PGY-2 positions?

We are not currently recruiting for PGY-2 positions.
What cities are nearby?

Shreveport, Monroe, Minden and Ruston are both less than an hour away from Claiborne Memorial Medical Center, and larger cities like Dallas, Houston, Baton Rouge, and Hot Springs are within a few hours drive.
Our Area
Visit these links to learn more about the main towns in Claiborne Parish, Homer and Haynesville