Welcome

Welcome to the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford’s family medicine residency programs: the Rockford Family Medicine Residency Program, Dixon Rural Training Track and Monroe Clinic Rural Family Medicine Residency Program.

The Rockford Family Medicine Residency Program was founded in 1972 by one of the early pioneers of our discipline, Dr. L.P. Johnson, and has continued to keep pace with the ever-changing field of family medicine. As the sole University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford residency program, we offer an unparalleled experience with the patient care resources of one of Illinois’ largest cities, as well as experiences in surrounding rural communities. The program is affiliated with UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital with core rotations at the award-winning SwedishAmerican Hospital where we enjoy the full support of hospital administration and medical staff. The nearby UI Health Mile Square Health Center -L.P. Johnson Rockford is close to Rockford’s growing downtown area with interesting restaurants, diverse shops and a bustling city market. Art shows, concerts, sporting events and children’s activities entertain and engage Rockford residents from all walks of life, making this community a wonderful place for singles and families alike.

The Dixon Rural Training Track is affiliated with Dixon’s KSB Hospital. This town of about 16,000 people has a rural catchment area of about 40,000 and is located 40 miles southwest of Rockford. Residents in this program spend their first year based in Rockford with twice weekly clinic sessions in Dixon. Second- and third-year core rotations are completed at the community-based KSB Hospital. Those enrolled in the Dixon Rural Training Track enjoy the rich blend of high-quality training and peaceful small-town life in a cozy community peppered with parks and historical sites that continues to grow in industry and agriculture.

The Monroe Clinic Rural Family Medicine Residency Program, just 45 miles north of Rockford, is affiliated with SSMHealth’s Monroe Clinic. Residents in this program get top-quality training in the urban setting of Rockford their first year followed by two years of training at Monroe Clinic, which provides an opportunity to learn family-centered care in a rural setting from experienced faculty. Monroe’s not-for-profit single hospital health system is committed to serving this bustling town with its innovative facilities, state-of-the-art technology and top-notch team. The community boasts a host of festivals, events and businesses, offering the best of rural living.

Rockford, Dixon, and Monroe, wonderful, family-oriented communities with cultural and recreational opportunities available locally and in nearby Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee. We can personally vouch for the warm Midwestern hospitality shown to our families.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Renee Verzal, MD, FAAFP
Program Director
Rockford Family Medicine Residency Program

Greg Reckamp, MD
Program Director
Dixon Rural Training Track

CJ Smith, DO
Program Director/Director of Osteopathic Medical Education
Monroe Clinic Rural Family Medicine Residency Program