Inova Family Medicine Residency

Located at Inova Primary Care – Fair Oaks

With an emphasis on adult learning and a tradition of innovation and caring for community, our program incorporates the latest in medical technology and educational philosophy. The program uses a comprehensive electronic medical record, a web-based resident and program evaluation system, and has developed new programs in Sports Medicine and International and Community Health.

We provide an ideal atmosphere for physicians training to practice in an ever evolving, real world clinical environment.

The residency program, established in 1972, quickly became a leader in family medicine education by pioneering a longitudinal curriculum model.

Our curriculum

The curriculum is grounded in the belief that the most effective way to train future family physicians is through mentorship by experienced practitioners in real-world clinical settings that mirror where they will ultimately practice.

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All applicants must:

Enroll with the N.R.M.P.
Enroll in ERAS
Have graduated within the past four years or be a senior at a medical school that is accredited by the LCME, COCA, or an organization approved by the World Federation for Medical Education
Have passed the USMLE step 1 or COMLEX step 1
If applicable, hold a valid ECFMG certificate

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Why Inova? Great location, endless career opportunities

The DC capital region

Our nation's capital is teeming with cultural and social opportunities like nowhere else – and we're right in its backyard. You'll enjoy the area's many museums, landmarks, galleries, multi-cultural dining, professional sports, entertainment and more.

Explore the area

Washington Monument and surrounding mall

Build your future with us

At Inova, we encourage you to bring your whole, authentic self to work and grow in a career that challenges and inspires you. Here, your ideas matter - you will have the chance to make a real impact and help shape our future with fresh, innovative thinking.

See how we work

Residents share the Inova experience...

"I picked this program because it feels like a family reunion. Funny. Boisterous. A lot of love." — Kyler Wilson, MD. Chief Resident

"One of the most appealing parts is feeling like an independent provider during residency.." — Sally Abilmona, DO. Chief Resident

Hear from our faculty

"I completed my residency here over 20 years ago and have been teaching and practicing ever since. Our faculty lead innovative efforts in primary care at every level, creating a unique environment where future physicians learn to blend evidence and humanism to provide whole-person care."

— Alex Krist, MD, Inova Primary Care, Senior Faculty, Research Director, Former Chair United States Preventative Services Task Force

Read Dr. Krist's full profile

"This practice has been a home-base in my professional career."

— Amy Nobu, MD, Inova Primary Care, Senior Faculty

Know more about Dr. Nobu

"The continuing relationships with the patients and their families and being able to care for multiple generations is something really special having been here for so long."

— Victoria Merkel, MD, Inova Primary Care, Site Lead Physician, Senior Faculty

Learn more about Dr. Merkel

"This program has been warm and supportive from my first interview as a medical student to now as an attending. I value the relationships I've built and the ongoing encouragement in all my endeavors."

— Kendall Hancock, MD, Inova Primary Care, OB Fellowship trained Faculty Physician

Meet Dr. Hancock

"I went into family medicine because I was interested in outpatient and now that I’ve been here 28 yrs, seeing all the new classes come in, they really become like a family, and I couldn’t have gone through residency without them."

— Camille A. Roy, MD

Meet Dr. Roy

"I chose this residency program for the good education it would provide, but I stayed as Faculty because of the mentorship, growth, and love this program and practice has cultivated to become a second family."

— Charles Fencil, MD. Research Director, Faculty Physician

Discover more about Dr. Fencil