Caring for patients in the community is integral to the Primary Care Internal Medicine residency experience. Throughout their training, residents spend one-half day each week caring for patients in community-based health centers. Attending physicians affiliated with the Primary Care Internal Medicine residency program precept residents in clinic.

Residents care for underserved patients and opportunities to care for Chicago's Spanish speaking communities are available.

PGY 2 and PGY 3 residents in good standing may opt for a second half-day weekly clinic. In addition to the community health centers available to residents throughout their training (Austin Community Health Center, Logan Square Health Center and Fantus Health Center); for example, second and third-year residents may choose to see patients in a clinic caring for patients with HIV, (Core Center), diabetes, heart failure, breast complaints, asthma or any of the other medical subspecialties.

In the community setting, residents hone doctor-patient communication skills as they establish long-term relationships with patients. In addition, residents learn to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of ambulatory disorders, emphasize preventive health, and have the opportunity to learn about the community by participating in neighborhood programs.