Amarillo Family Medicine Residency | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Amarillo Family Medicine Residency

Amarillo SOM studets in white coats standing in the lobby smiling at each other

Amarillo Family Medicine Residency

Application Deadline | December 1, 2025
Next Start Date | July 1, 2026

The family medicine residency program in Amarillo began in 1972 as one of the first residency programs at Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC). We offer the benefits of an academic center as a university administered program, balanced with the warmth and hospitality of a community-based residency. TTUHSC offers great resources, technologies and research opportunities, as well as training opportunities with clinical faculty in different subspecialties. The Amarillo health care community services neighboring parts of four states and the Texas Panhandle.

As an unopposed residency based at Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital, you will have access to a large, varied patient base representing the full spectrum of age, culture and illness without competition from other residencies.

Discover How Our Program Empowers Future Leaders

Watch this short videoto see what sets us apart!

Information for Applicants

Find out more about our application requirements, eligibility criteria, and how to apply through ERAS here.

  • The applicant must be eligible to acquire a Texas License.
  • The applicant must have passed USMLE Step 1 as required by the Texas Medical Board.
  • A criminal background check must be acquired prior to the start of residency
  • Each applicant using the Electronic Residency Application Service will be required to complete a TTUHSC ERAS addendum.
  • The applicant must be a graduate of a medical school approved by the Texas Medical Board or one whose curriculum is accepted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
  • Three letters of recommendation are required.

In addition to the requirements listed above, the department of Family and Community Medicine has adopted the following additional criteria (the Program Director reserves the right to make some exceptions):

  • Prefer passing first attempt USMLE step 1 and step 2. Must be completed prior to the start of residency.
  • COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 are also accepted, with preferred passing on first attempt. COMLEX exams for D.O. students can be substituted for USMLE exams. Must be completed prior to the start of residency.
  • All exams (USMLE & COMLEX) MUST be passed within three attempts to be eligible.
  • Graduation from medical school within the last 5 years
  • All applicants must apply for residency via the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) to be considered.
  • Interviews will occur between October and January.
  • We only participate in the NRMP match and abide by all NRMP policies. Matched applicants must be available to begin paid orientation in June. Residency begins July 1.
  • All applicants will be notified before the end of October if they will be invited for an interview. Notifications will be sent out via ERAS.
  • The deadline for application submission is December 1.
  • Three letters of recommendation must be submitted to be eligible for interviews.

Foreign Medical Graduates

  • Current clinical experience or observership in the United States is preferred, with three letters of recommendation in support of your application.
  • Employment Authorization Document, Green Card, or Permanent Resident status are accepted.  We accept and sponsor J-1 visas ONLY.  We also accept F-1 students who are able to obtain J-1 visa sponsorship for residency.
  • Prefer within 5 years from medical school graduation.
  • Must be ECFMG Certified.  Certification must be obtained prior to residency start date.
  • The applicant must be a graduate of an approved Texas Medical Board school and must be eligible to obtain a physician in-training license for residency.
  • USMLE exams must meet current Texas Medical Board requirements for licensing. (See program specific desired score/pass information above.)
  • Interviews will occur between October and January.

For more information on admission requirements click here.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive training to residents in the field of family medicine, preparing them for successful careers as physicians. We offer robust outpatient and hospital services that expose our residents to diverse patient populations and medical cases. By emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to foster the development of compassionate and competent healthcare providers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service ensures that our residents receive a comprehensive education that will empower them to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

Through our robust inpatient program, residents gain valuable hands-on experience in several areas of the hospital, developing the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the field of medicine.
By participating in a variety of medical and non-medical events throughout Amarillo, our residents are able to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of the community.
Through our comprehensive training program, we strive to instill core values of diversity, humility, honesty, and resilience in our residents, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders and agents of change within the healthcare industry.

Our residents follow continuity obstetrical patients through their prenatal care, delivery at Northwest Texas Hospital (NWTH), and post-partum care.  We also partner with a community organization for prenatal services to low-income women who we deliver at NWTH. This partnership helps us provide additional obstetrical experience for those residents most interested in maternity care. 

One afternoon each week is dedicated to an organized yearlong curriculum of Core Topics, Morbidity and Mortality, Journal Club and Board Review sessions. We also offer a procedure clinic one morning per week that is staffed by residents and faculty for performing outpatient procedures common to Family Medicine.

Residency training in family medicine can be a daunting process given the depth and breadth of our specialty.  We understand this and respect the varied practice goals that each of our residents brings to the program. Our department is committed to helping residents set and meet their individual goals as well as meeting all the required program goals and objectives.

The faculty in Family Medicine has dedicated themselves to teaching and nurturing residents into well-rounded family medicine physicians. We offer a strong, challenging and flexible program with progressive responsibility in a warm and welcoming environment. These features of the TTUHSC Family Medicine residency in Amarillo make it an optimal experience. 

All residents complete a 13-block educational year.  

Our program utilizes a mini-block rotation system.  Each rotation is two weeks and can occur more than once throughout the year.  This allows our residents to revisit patient care concepts during different stages of their training.

PGY1

  • Office/out-patient continuity clinic
  • Hospital (Day Service)
  • Hospital (Night Float)
  • Pediatric Wards
  • Pediatric Newborn Nursery
  • Surgery
  • Obstetrics- Labor & Delivery
  • Geriatrics 
  • Electives

PGY2

  • Office/out-patient continuity clinic
  • Practice Management   
  • Hospital (Day Service)
  • Hospital (Night Float)
  • Psychiatry
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Gynecology/Women’s Health
  • ICU
  • Electives

PGY3

  • Office/out-patient continuity clinic
  • Hospital (Day Service)
  • Hospital (Night Float)
  • Sports Medicine/Orthopedics
  • Rural ER (Hereford, TX)
  • Electives

Departmental Benefits

Professional Organizations

Your membership dues for the following organizations will be paid by the Department. Participation in these organizations is strongly encouraged, but not required.

  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Personal Time Off 

Personal Time Off or PTO is given during each PGY level.  Our program uses a web-based provider scheduling and leave request system.  This allows for a stream-lined, efficient, and convenient leave request process.

PGY 1 Residents: 20 days of PTO

  • 5 days of CME/educational leave
  • 2 days of Step 3 exam leave

PGY2 Residents: 25 days of PTO

  • 5 days of CME/educational leave

PGY3 Residents: 25 days of PTO

  • 5 days of CME/Educational leave
  • 1 day of ABFM exam leave

Books & Membership Dues

PGY-1 residents are allotted $500 for books and membership dues; book selections must be approved by the Program Director. PGY-2 residents are allotted $500 for CME; PGY-3's $750. The department will arrange for interested PGY-3 residents to take a board review course prior to graduation in lieu of other CME during the third year. (Mandatory for residents scoring < 50th percentile for PGY-3’s on their final in training exam) CME time is to be approved by the Program Director and coordinated with the affected service. All residents have the opportunity to take five days of CME courses, must be approved by Program Director.

Moonlighting

Moonlighting opportunities are available in the Amarillo area to PGY-II and PGY-III residents; professional liability insurance coverage not provided by TTUHSC. Participation must be approved by the Program Director.

Institutional Benefits

For all benefits and conditions of employment including information concerning leaves of absences and medical malpractice insurance, please visit the Graduate Medical Education page.

Got Questions?

We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.

Nolan Farmer headshot

Nolan Farmer, DO
Residency Program Director

 

Matthew Thigpen headshot

Matthew Thigpen, MD
Associate Program Director

 

Rodney Young headshot

Rodney Young, MD
Department Chair

 

JoAnne Ascensio headshot

Joanne Ascensio
806.414.9493