Auburn Family Medicine Residency – Rural Track
Welcome to the Auburn Family Medicine Residency – Rural Track Program, a collaborative initiative between Auburn Community Hospital and SUNY Upstate’s Department of Family Medicine. Our goal is to train the next generation of family medicine physicians who are committed to providing high-quality, innovative, and patient-centered healthcare in rural settings. Through this program, we aim to improve health equity in Central New York by equipping our residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver high-quality, innovative, and patient-centered healthcare. We are dedicated to ensuring an outstanding patient experience and promoting health and well-being in our community through excellence in family medicine education and development of future healthcare leaders.
Our Vision
SUNY Upstate and Auburn Community Hospital are partnering to train community physicians who will deliver high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centered healthcare in a team-based environment. This program aims to promote healthy living and a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for all. Our vision also includes increasing the number of primary care physicians in Central New York to support health equity in rural settings with a strong emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of care
About Us
We are excited to offer a university and community-based Family Medicine Residency program that combines rigorous academic education with community-centered care.
Our program is structured as a 1+2 program. The first year is spent in continuity clinic and rotations primarily at Upstate University and Community Hospitals in Syracuse. The second and third years are primarily based in Auburn, with continuity clinic at Auburn Family Medicine and rotations primarily at Auburn Community Hospital. Syracuse and Auburn are conveniently located approximately 40 minutes apart, allowing residents to maintain continuity in their lives while experiencing a variety of training sites that prepares them for future practice in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
We are looking for individuals who are committed to clinical excellence and passionate about making a meaningful impact in our community.
View Our Full Curriculum
About Us
We are excited to offer a university and community-based Family Medicine Residency program that combines rigorous academic education with community-centered care.
Our program is structured as a 1+2 program. The first year is spent in continuity clinic and rotations primarily at Upstate University and Community Hospitals in Syracuse. The second and third years are primarily based in Auburn, with continuity clinic at Auburn Family Medicine and rotations primarily at Auburn Community Hospital. Syracuse and Auburn are conveniently located approximately 40 minutes apart, allowing residents to maintain continuity in their lives while experiencing a variety of training sites that prepares them for future practice in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
We are looking for individuals who are committed to clinical excellence and passionate about making a meaningful impact in our community.
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Our Faculty Leaders
Auburn Family Medicine Residency - Rural Track is led by a dedicated team of skilled physicians from both Upstate Medical University and Auburn Community Hospital. Our faculty is committed to mentoring residents, providing patient care, and advancing community health through the AFMR program.
R. Eugene Bailey, MD, FAAFP, Residency Program Director
R. Eugene Bailey, MD, FAAFP, Residency Program Director
Residency Program Director, SUNY Upstate
R. Eugene Bailey, MD, FAAFP is an Associate Professor and Board-certified in Family Medicine.
Dr. Bailey practices full scope family medicine including obstetrics and sees patients at our Community Campus site. Dr. Bailey has clinical interests in family-centered maternity care, travels to Central America yearly for global health, is Team Physician for the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate to the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning and has a special interest in evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Bailey is currently the Program Director for the Family Medicine residency program and precepts both residents and medical students. He is guest lecturer for the LeMoyne Physician Assistant program, Advisory faculty for ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics), and adjunct faculty for the MCEF (Medical Care for the Entire Family) program, Keiju Medical Center, Nanao, Japan.
Dr. Bailey graduated medical school from Upstate Medical University and did his residency at University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency program, Rochester, New York.
Sultan Ripon, MD, Assistant Professor, Site Director
Sultan Ripon, MD, Assistant Professor, Site Director
Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Site Director, Family Medicine Residency- Rural Track, at Auburn Community Hospital
Dr. Ripon is board certified in Family Medicine and in Obesity Medicine. He practices outpatient medicine at Auburn Primary Care. Dr. Ripon has a special interest in obesity medicine, addiction medicine, integrative and preventive medicine.
Dr. Ripon received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from CUNY- City College. He graduated from American University of Antigua College of Medicine and completed family medicine residency at New York Medical College/Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey.
Dr. Ripon is also certified in Integrative Medicine in Residency from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Mary Powers, MD, Assistant Program Director
Mary Powers, MD, Assistant Program Director
Assistant Program Director, SUNY Upstate
Dr. Powers is an Assistant Professor and Board Certified in Family Medicine. She cares for patients of all ages in the outpatient setting at our Community Campus site and additionally cares for hospitalized adults at the Community Campus site. She has particular interests in women’s health and patient-centered chronic disease management and wellness promotion. She supports our Rural Training Track for Family Medicine residents and precepts medical students and residents. Dr. Powers graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed her residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY.
Lyndsay Christensen, MD, Attending Physician
Lyndsay Christensen, MD, Attending Physician
Attending Physician
Dr. Christensen is a family medicine practitioner at Auburn Primary Care. She was a resident in Family Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY, and board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in spring 2023. Dr. Christensen received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with the highest distinction from Indiana University School of Science.
Sara Zafar, MD, Attending Physician
Sara Zafar, MD, Attending Physician
Attending Physician
Dr. Sara Zafar is a board-certified family physician in Auburn, New York. She is currently licensed to practice medicine in New York, Minnesota, and Illinois. She is affiliated with Auburn Community Hospital.
Alexander Langley, MD, Attending Physician
Alexander Langley, MD, Attending Physician
Attending Physician
Dr. Langley is a family medicine practitioner at Auburn Internal Medicine & Pediatrics. Dr. Langley is from St. Joseph’s Hospital Primary Care Center in Syracuse N.Y. He received a master’s degree in biomedical science and public health concentrating in health services management, and health policy at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Langley earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Family Medicine from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Dr. Langley completed his three‐year residency in family medicine at Swedish First Hill Hospital in the Seattle Washington area.
Dr. Langley practiced at the Federally Qualified Health Clinic in Moravia and Cortland N.Y. Most recently he practiced at the St. Joseph’s Health Westside Primary Clinic. He is a member of the American Association of Family Physicians and the New York State Association of Family Physicians.
Gray Section On
Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Our Current Residents
Residents in our rural training program have a variety of clinical interests and a shared sense of commitment to their community. Residents in the rural training program work alongside their core program peers in their first year, and maintain connection with them in their second and third years through shared didactics and social events.
Hasanul Chowdhury, MBBS
Hasanul Chowdhury, MBBS
PGY 2 Resident
I am a dedicated Family Medicine Resident with a diverse background and a passion for medicine, focused on delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care across diverse patient populations. Committed to preventive care and patient education, I thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to provide personalized, holistic treatment. My goal is to enhance community health by building strong patient relationships and pursuing continuous professional growth.
Primary Location: Auburn Family Medicine
Education: Cumilla Medical College, Bangladesh
Residency: Family Medicine Residency at SUNY Upstate
Syed Ali, MBBS
Syed Ali, MBBS
PGY 2 Resident
Dr. Ali received his medical degree from University of Karachi. His specialty is Family Practicie medicine. He has experience in a variety of clinical settings, urban and rural, in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, California, Virginia, and now, New York. He began his Family Medicine Residency at SUNY Upstate in June
2024, with focuses on rural medicine, mental health, and providing quality care to all patients, including those with limited access to services.
Primary Location: Auburn Family Medicine
Education: Karachi Medical, Dental College
Residency: Family Medicine Residency at SUNY Upstate
Tassine Brown-Veira, MD
Tassine Brown-Veira, MD
PGY 3 Resident
Dr. Brown-Veira received her medical degree from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Antigua. She graduated (Cum Laude) from Prairie View A & M University in Prairie View, Texas. She started her Family Medicine Residency at SUNY Upstate in June of 2023 and has also practiced at Flatbush Family Practice in Brooklyn, New York. Her focus is on rural and preventive family medicine as well as global health.
Hafiz Haseeb, MBBS
Hafiz Haseeb, MBBS
PGY 3 Resident
Dr. Haseeb received his medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Punjab and has received training at the Mayo Hospital in Lahore and Sheikh Zayed Hospital. Dr. Haseeb started his family medicine residency at SUNY Upstate in June of 2023. He is dedicated to providing holistic and inclusive care to patients of all ages and diverse backgrounds. His goal is to build strong patient relationships and address a wide range of medical needs, promoting health and well-being in the Auburn Community.
Our Team
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Curriculum At-A-Glance
Our three-year program features a variety of rotations that provide residents with a range of clinical experiences. Throughout their training, residents care for a panel of patients in their continuity practice, increasing their patient care responsibilities by level of training with support from dedicated faculty and staff. Residents participate in a variety of educational activities to complement their personal and professional development throughout their training.
Rotations
The majority of the first year is spent rotating at Upstate University Hospital and affiliates, and the majority of the second and third years are spent rotating at Auburn Community Hospital.
Residents may take up to 20 vacation days per academic year.
Chart Locations:
Upstate – Upstate University Hospital, Upstate Community Campus, and affiliated offices
ACH – Auburn Community Hospital and affiliated offices
VA – Syracuse VA Medical Center
EH – East Hill Medical Center, FQHC located in Auburn, NY
PGY-1 ROTATIONS
In the first year, residents have an initial “bootcamp” rotation in which they are
supported by faculty and senior residents to build their foundation for the
remainder of their PGY-1 year in a variety of clinical settings. Throughout the
year, there is a focus on developing clinical skills in the care of children and
acutely ill adults, through rotations in pediatrics and inpatient medicine,
respectively.
| ROTATION | DURATION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Bootcamp | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Inpatient Medicine | ||
| General Inpatient Medicine | 8 Weeks | Upstate |
| ICU | 4 Weeks | VA |
| Pediatrics | ||
| Inpatient | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Peds ED | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Newborn | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Outpatient | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Medicine | ||
| Obstetrics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Orthopedics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Dermatology | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Surgery | 2 Weeks | VA |
| Geriatrics | 2 Weeks | Upstate/VA |
| Elective | 4 Weeks |
PGY-2 ROTATIONS
Rotations are primarily in Auburn in the second year. There is a focus on building
autonomy in practice and in developing clinical experience in some of the most
frequently encountered areas of Family Medicine, including Women’s Health,
behavioral health, cardiology, and pulmonology. Additionally, residents start
longitudinal prenatal care and geriatrics experiences.
| ROTATION | DURATION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Community Medicine | 2 Weeks | Auburn |
| Inpatient Medicine | ||
| General Inpatient Medicine | 8 Weeks | ACH |
| Night Float | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Emergency Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Women’s Health | ||
| Obstetrics | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Gynecology | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Continuity Pregnancy Care | Longitudinal | |
| Behavioral Health | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Sports Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Geriatrics | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Continuity Geriatrics Care | Longitudinal | |
| Cardiology | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Pulmonology | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Radiology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Elective | 8 Weeks |
PGY-3 ROTATIONS
Rotations are primarily in Auburn in the third year. Residents gain experience
providing supervision and teaching to more junior residents and learners.
Residents rotate in a range of specialties to broaden their clinical foundation.
There is continued emphasis on the care of acutely ill adults and in behavioral
health, given the need for comprehensive training in these areas for residents
intending to pursue future rural practice. Residents continue with providing
longitudinal pregnancy and geriatrics care. Residents have 12 weeks of elective
time dedicated to their specific future practice goals and educational
development.
| ROTATION | DURATION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Medicine | ||
| General Inpatient Medicine | 8 Weeks | ACH |
| Night Float | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Ambulatory Family Medicine | 4 Weeks | AFM |
| Emergency Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Behavioral Health | ||
| Integrated Behavioral Health | 2 Weeks | EH |
| Addiction | 2 Weeks | Upstate |
| Outpatient Pediatric Selective | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Medical/Surgical Specialties | ||
| Endocrinology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Gastroenterology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Nephrology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Neurology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Pain | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Urology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Rheumatology | 2 Weeks | Upstate |
| Continuity Geriatrics Care | Longitudinal | |
| Continuity Pregnancy Care | Longitudinal | |
| Elective | 12 Weeks |
Curriculum Highlights
PGY1
- Primarily at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse
- Some rotations in Syracuse VA Medical Center
- Experience Team Based Care environment in Out-patient clinic
- No electives in first year
- 20 vacation days
PGY 2/3
- Primarily at Auburn Community Hospital
- Option for four four-week electives in two years (50% elective time: rural)
- Wide range of rotations to experience full scope of physician practice while promoting community engagement with a longitudinal curriculum
- Bi-directional Educational Curriculum with SUNY Upstate Family Medicine Residency
- Geriatrics longitudinal curriculum at Finger Lakes Center for Living
- 20 vacation days
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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How To Apply
All applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). Selection of residents is determined through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
Program Name: SUNY Upstate Medical University Program
Program Code: 1203500740
ERAS website for US and Canadian applicants: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residency/applying-residencies-eras/
ECFMG-ERAS program website for foreign medical graduates: http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/index.html
The Upstate Medical University Family Medicine Residency Program is looking for well-rounded applicants that can demonstrate a commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to scholastic inquiry, leadership, and research. Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Your application must include:
- USMLE scores
- U.S. clinical experience, if applicable
- Dean’s Letter
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
In addition, the following must be met:
- Graduation from medical school with continued primary care experience during any intervening years is required.
- International medical school graduates please note – we require ECFMG certification or eligibility to include passing Steps 1 and 2 CS & CK of the USMLE. This is a NRMP requirement for match participation.
- Three letters of recommendation in addition to the MSPE (Dean’s letter). Applicants with previous residency experience should include a letter from the residency program director.
- We are able to support only J1 visas.
Each year, there are 2 rural track residency positions. We are accepting applications only for PGY1 year.
To address any questions, please Contact Us At:
Heather O'Hearn
Email: ohearnh@upstate.edu
Phone: (315)-492-3429
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Patient Resources Page
The following links will take you to patient resources on the main Auburn Community Hospital website.
Billing & Insurance
Patient Resources
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Locations
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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Location
Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
To View All Rotation Locations: See Here
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact Us:
Michelle L. Tonzi, Program Coordinator, Paralegal
Phone: 315-567-0421
Fax: 315-704-1092
About Auburn NY
The City of Auburn, New York (pop. 27,138) is located approximately 25 miles west of Syracuse, NY, and 120 miles east of Buffalo, NY. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, Auburn is the county seat of Cayuga County and its largest community.
Auburn is rich in history, arts and culture, offering a great array of museums, historic sites and national landmarks such as the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the Seward House Museum.
Auburn is also known for a thriving arts scene featuring the Auburn Public Theater and the Schweinfurth Art Center. With four distinct seasons, visitors flock to the Finger Lakes Region year-round to enjoy its spectacular scenery, award-winning wineries and breweries, charming villages, sparkling lakes and so much more.
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Auburn Family Medicine Rural Residency
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
37 West Garden Street, Suite 203
Auburn, NY 13021
315-567-0507
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AUBURN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 17 Lansing Street, Auburn, NY 13021 315-255-7011
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