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
The mission of SUNY Upstate’s and Auburn Community Hospital’s Rural Track Residency Program is to train exemplary family medicine physicians who will not only provide outstanding care to their patients but also foster a culture of academic inquiry, research, and scholarship in a rural setting.
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, preparing residents to serve in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Our main clinical training site is Auburn Family Medicine, with residents also rotating through Auburn Community Hospital, Upstate University Hospital, the Syracuse VA Hospital, and affiliated practices.
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, preparing residents to serve in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Our main clinical training site is Auburn Family Medicine, with residents also rotating through Auburn Community Hospital, Upstate University Hospital, the Syracuse VA Hospital, and affiliated practices.
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
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.
Tassine Brown-Veira, MD
Tassine Brown-Veira, MD
PGY 2 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 2 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.
Syed Ali, MBBS
Syed Ali, MBBS
PGY 1 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
Hasanul Chowdhury, MBBS
Hasanul Chowdhury, MBBS
PGY 1 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
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 allows the residents to rotate through a variety of specialties including: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Surgery, Sports Medicine, Women’s Health, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Gastroenterology, Pain Medicine, Neurology and more.
Clinical Training Sites:
Our primary clinical training site is located at Auburn Community Hospital and Upstate Medical University's Auburn Family Medicine practice. Year One clinical training sites include Upstate Community Hospital, Golisano Children's Hospital, and the VA Hospital. In Years Two and Three, residents primarily train in Auburn, rotating through Auburn Family Medicine, Auburn Community Hospital, Finger Lakes Nursing Home, and East Hill Medical.
Chart Locations:
Upstate – Upstate University Hospital, Upstate Community Campus, and affiliated offices
ACH – Auburn Community Hospital and affiliated offices including Auburn Family Medicine
VA – Syracuse VA Medical Center
EH – East Hill Medical Center, FQHC located in Auburn, NY
Electives are a total of 24 weeks over 3 years in which residents have the opportunity to pursue their individual areas of interest. Residents may choose to do elective time in Syracuse or Auburn, with the potential to explore other healthcare in other rural settings. Upstate has established teaching relationships with healthcare providers in many rural communities through the RMED program, which provides rural training for medical students. At least 50% of all electives are in Auburn or another rural setting. Rural track residents work with both an Upstate-based advisor and an Auburn-based advisor who are dedicated to their personal growth and development.
PGY-1 ROTATIONS
During the first year, residents will rotate between our Clinical Training Sites – Upstate University Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
| PGY-1 ROTATIONS | DURATION | SETTING |
|---|
| Bootcamp | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Internal Medicine |
| General Medicine | 8 Weeks | Upstate |
| ICU | 4 Weeks | VA |
| Pediatrics |
| Pediatrics Emergency | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Medicine |
| Inpatient Pediatrics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Outpatient Pediatrics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Newborn | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Orthopedics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Dermatology | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Geriatrics | 2 Weeks | Upstate |
| Surgery | 2 Weeks | VA |
| Elective* | 4 Weeks |
PGY-2 ROTATIONS
During year 2 residents will rotate between Upstate University Hospital, Auburn Community Hospital, Finger Lakes Nursing Home (ACH Affiliated), East Hill Medical, and Auburn Family Medicine (ACH Affiliated).
| PGY-2 ROTATIONS | DURATION | SETTING |
|---|
| Internal Medicine |
| General Medicine | 8 Weeks | ACH |
| ICU | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Obstetrics | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Behavioral Health | 4 Weeks | ACH/EH |
| Emergency Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Sports Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Women’s Health | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Addiction Medicine | 4 Weeks | EH |
| Cardiology | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Pulmonology | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Geriatrics | 4 Weeks | ACH |
| Community Medicine | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Rheumatology | 2 Weeks | Upstate |
| Radiology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Elective* | 8 Weeks |
PGY-3 ROTATIONS
During year 3 residents will rotate between Upstate University Hospital, Auburn Community Hospital, Finger Lakes Nursing Home (ACH Affiliated), East Hill Medical, and Auburn Family Medicine (ACH Affiliated).
| PGY-3 ROTATIONS | DURATION | SETTING |
|---|
| Internal Medicine |
| General Medicine | 8 Weeks | ACH |
| ICU | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Behavioral Health | 4 Weeks | ACH/EH |
| Emergency Medicine | 4 Weeks | ACH/UC |
| Pediatric Outpatient | 4 Weeks | Upstate |
| Selective |
| Endocrinology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Gastroenterology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Urology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Pain Management | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Ophthalmology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Neurology | 2 Weeks | ACH |
| Practice Management | 2 Weeks | ACH/EH |
| 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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