This year, Natividad proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of our Family Medicine Residency Program. For half a century, we have been training doctors who are dedicated to caring for people in Monterey County and beyond, with a special focus on underserved communities.

Since the program began, we have graduated 358 residents, many of whom continue to serve right here in our community. Today, 27 graduates are part of Natividad’s medical staff, and in just the past five years, over half of our graduates have chosen to practice locally. This means that the families of Salinas Valley and Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties are still cared for by the very doctors who trained here.

Our program is nationally recognized, drawing over 700 applicants each year for just 10 spots. Residents come from across the country because of our strong, full-spectrum training, and a majority are proficient in Spanish. From hospital medicine and critical care to maternity care, pediatrics and procedures, our residents gain hands-on skills that prepare them for any challenge. They also participate in community health, teaching and innovative projects that address the social factors that affect health.

Over the last year alone, our residents and faculty:

• Staffed the Addiction Care Team, helping patients with substance use disorders
• Presented projects at UCSF Research Colloquium and Natividad Innovation, Safety and Quality Showcase
• Delivered monthly “Cosechando Salud” health workshops in local community centers
• Trained Promotoras (community health workers) and led healthy cooking demonstrations
• Provided care for students, people without housing, and families across Monterey County

“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the legacy of service, education and compassion that has shaped our program. We are proud of the physicians who have trained here and grateful for the lasting impact they continue to make in our community.”

– said Dr. Melissa Nothnagle, Natividad Residency Director and Chief of Family Medicine Service.