Internal Medicine Los Angeles Medical Center - Primary Care Track

Overview

The Primary Care Track at KP LAMC offers a dedicated outpatient-focused pathway beginning in PGY-2, designed for residents who are passionate about community-based medicine, longitudinal relationships, and system-informed care.

This track is rooted in the belief that primary care is a complex, high-impact discipline that requires not just knowledge—but perspective, flexibility, and deep understanding of how care is delivered across settings. Our model provides the structure, mentorship, and clinical immersion to prepare residents to lead in outpatient care—whether in traditional internal medicine, hybrid hospitalist models, or population health systems.

Curriculum Highlights

• Entry in PGY-2 (application during intern year)
• 14 weeks of additional primary care training each year (PGY-2 and PGY-3)
• Dedicated time for Global Health and Health Policy Electives as well as Community Medicine conferences
• Development of real-world practical skills, with opportunities for certification in HIV Medicine, Obesity / Lifestyle Medicine, and more
• Additional training in Gender Affirming Care and Outpatient Procedures

Clinical Sites & Rotations

Primary Care Track residents rotate through diverse and high-functioning outpatient settings, including:

• KP LAMC – Serves a diverse urban patient population from across Los Angeles reflecting the borader Los Angeles community across cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• DTLA Medical Offices – A centrally located clinic providing accessible, comprehensive care to the full spectrum of downtown Los Angeles residents, from busy professionals to those navigating significant health or socioeconomic challenges.
• Romaine (West Hollywood) Care Transformation Building – Strong focus on LGBTQ+ care, including gender-affirming services. The clinic serves a diverse adult population from West Hollywood, Hancock Park, and surrounding neighborhoods, with a focus on inclusive, relationship-centered primary care.
• Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic – A longstanding community clinic that provides accessible, high-quality care to patients who are uninsured or experience barriers to traditional healthcare. Residents care for a diverse patient population with a range of medical needs—often managing chronic disease, acute issues, and preventive care in a single visit.
• Additional Clinical experiences Include:
o HIV Medicine
o LGBTQ+ and Gender-Affirming Care
o Women’s Health
o Urgent Care
o Dermatology
o Geriatrics
o Sports Medicine
o Community Medicine

Skill Development

Throughout the track, residents build skills in:
• Panel and population management
• Inbox and asynchronous care workflows
• Preventive care delivery and chronic disease monitoring
• Outpatient procedures (joint injections, women’s health, dermatologic procedures)
• Longitudinal decision-making and communication with established patient panels
• Team-based care coordination and use of support systems (pharmacy, case management, social work)
Residents are also trained to incorporate digital tools—including AI-based documentation assistants—once core clinical reasoning is established.

Certifications & Elective Opportunities

Residents in the Primary Care Track have access to targeted elective and certification opportunities, including:
• HIV Medicine Certification
• Obesity Medicine Certification Pathways
• Focused electives in health policy, sports medicine, global health, and LGBTQ+ care
• Community outreach and health education projects through Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic

Mentorship & Career Planning

Track residents are paired with faculty mentors with expertise in outpatient medicine and population health.

Core Mentors:
Dr. Jason Gilbert (he/him/his) – Assistant PD of IM Residency
Dr. Ly Pham (they/them/theirs) – Gender Care
Dr. Janelle Rodriguez (she/her/hers) – Obesity Medicine
Dr. Jennifer Chang (she/her/hers) – HIV Medicine

Mentors provide support for:
• Career direction and job searches
• Fellowship advising (e.g., Geriatrics, Addiction Medicine)
• Practice management skills and contract negotiation
• Professional identity formation in primary care leadership roles

Application Process

Residents apply into the Primary Care Track during the intern year. Selection is based on demonstrated interest in outpatient care, community engagement, and systems-based thinking.
Interested residents are encouraged to speak with the Primary Care APD and current track participants during intern year to learn more about the structure, expectations, and opportunities.