Where is Mobile, AL?

In the small area of southern Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile is the port city that sits at the top of Mobile Bay.

What are the demographics of the patient population we serve?

We have a good mix of variety in age, socioeconomic status, race, and insurance coverage.  We have a large number of pediatric patients.  We have a subspecialty clinic in geriatrics.  We have a mix of Caucasian, African American, and Asian patients.  We are primary physicians for a large number of hospital employees (other physicians to housekeeping).  We provide care for uninsured, Medicaid, Medicare, blue cross and blue shield, TriCare, and other private insurances.  We also provide care for international merchant marine crews that need medical attention while in Mobile’s port.

What about hurricanes?

Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30.  Mobile itself is somewhat protected by geography since we are inland ~ 1hour compared to the beach.  The hospital provides accommodations for residents.  Our family medicine clinic is open to us and our families and has withstood a category 5 hurricane in the past.  If you are not scheduled to work in the immediate time period of a hurricane, you are able to evacuate if desired.

What is our call schedule?

See section Call Schedule.

How much personal/family life/family time do our resident’s get?

Intern year is traditionally more vigorous, with improvement in your schedule and available free time each subsequent year.  The 80 hour work week is strictly enforced within our institution.  Most months, you enjoy 2-3 weekends free of all responsibilities.

Where do most residents live?

The majority of residents (Department of Psychiatry and other specialties) live in an area of Mobile known as Midtown, that is within a few mile radius of the hospitals and clinic.  Some residents live in West Mobile, which is about a 20 minute drive from the hospitals and clinic.  Others live “across the bay” in the Eastern Shore towns of Spanish Fort, Daphne, or Fairhope which is also about a 20 minute drive.  Housing is affordable on a resident’s salary, either renting or purchasing.

What is the cost of living like in Mobile?

Overall cost of living is very affordable on a resident’s salary.

What are schools like in the Mobile area?

There are many public, parochial and private school options to chose from in the area.  The Mobile County school district also offers magnet schools focusing on certain academic interests.  Their website is: http://www.mcpss.com  The Eastern Shore area of Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope are in the Baldwin County school district.  Baldwin County public schools are consistently among the best in the state of Alabama.  Their website is: http://www.bcbe.org.

What is Mobile’s proximity to other major cities?

What moonlighting opportunities are available?

Residents are allowed to moonlight after obtaining an Alabama license.   It is not allowed to interfere with regular residency duties.  There are opportunities to moonlight in the emergency room at our hospitals, or in emergency rooms in the community.

How well do residents get along with each other?

Our residents are a very cohesive group.  We have “out of hospital” social activities at least once a month, but groups of residents often get together for dinner, movies, trips to the beach, holiday get-togethers, birthdays, etc.  We also have a weekend in the spring where our attendings cover the service while all residents go on retreat.

How are resident-faculty interactions?

Our attendings are very approachable and easy going.  They work with us with a vested interest in our learning and well-being.  They are always eager to teach. 

Is research required?

No.