Altru Family Medicine Residency has proudly served the community of Grand
Forks and the surrounding region since 1976. The residency educates family
medicine physicians to practice full scope comprehensive medicine across
the spectrum of health care. This is achieved with a commitment to provide
the skills and background to care for patients in all settings, including
the unique challenge of rural medicine.
The residency program has a collegial-supportive group of people who work
cooperatively to educate young minds and provide care for our patients.
Our curriculum has a solid foundation in hospital-based and ambulatory
care, obstetrics, sports medicine, addressing social determinants of health,
and point-of-care ultrasound. Fellowships in obstetrics and sports medicine
improve resident education and provide additional training opportunities
beyond completion of residency.
Curriculum Highlights
Strong inpatient teaching service provides a great learning environment
covering a range of topics relevant to family medicine
Busy obstetrical service working alongside attendings and fellows to deliver
routine and high-risk OB care
Focus on rural care with rotations available in smaller communities around
eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota such as Devils Lake, Mayville
and Roseau
Wide range of pediatric experience across multiple rotations in pediatric
inpatient unit, NICU, newborn nursery, emergency medicine and outpatient
pediatric clinic
Sports medicine opportunities to provide sideline coverage in conjunction
with team physicians, fellows and athletic trainers with high school and
NCAA Division I athletes
Four blocks of elective time to gain more experience in a particular area
of interest or to spend time in a new setting
Home visit program to help care for those that are not able to travel for
appointments and care for those transitioning from inpatient to home
State-of-the-art ultrasound lab with training to help bring advanced imaging
to the patient at the bedside
Teaching opportunities with medical, pharmacy and athletic training students
Resident wellness is emphasized at Altru Family Medicine Residency. Throughout
each academic year, events and activities are held for residents, faculty
and support staff. These include:
Ruttger’s Retreat
Every year the residents and faculty enjoy a weekend spent at Ruttger’s
Resort on Lake Bemidji in Bemidji, MN. This is a fun opportunity to meet
each other’s families and get to welcome the incoming first year
resident class to the program.
Social Committee
Every resident has a chance to be involved by joining the Social Committee,
which is responsible for planning and carrying out different social gatherings
throughout the year with allotted funds. There is also opportunity to
help design parts of the wellness curriculum if interested.
Resident Education
One afternoon every month the residents are excused from their normal rotations
and have protected time for Resident Education. This consists of a chance
to have discussion time with a resident’s own class, followed by
hands on education and practice learning a new skill related to Family
Medicine which include casting, IUD placement, ultrasound guided injections,
and perineal repairs. Following this is a free dinner at a local restaurant
shared by all the residents together.
Sports Leagues
Grand Forks offers several recreational sports throughout the year. Historically,
residents have been involved in sand volleyball, basketball, and bowling.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the program or admission requirements, please
contact Dr. Nielsen, Program Director, or Kelsey Huttunen, Residency Coordinator at:
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