Tacoma Family Medicine

At TFM, we understand the importance of a strong foundation in outpatient Family Medicine. Our clinic handles nearly 30,000 patient visits per year! There is ample room for charting and preceptors are readily available for consultation.

Residents take on a graduated load of clinics each year. The outpatient curriculum includes 33 half-day clinic modules dedicated to specific topics in ambulatory medicine. These modules address disease prevention, health promotion, evidence-based risk assessment and chronic disease management.

Our staff psychologist sits in with residents during clinic visits to perfect patient-centered interviewing skills and to facilitate office efficiency. Our faculty members serve the medical community as consultants in hospice and end of life care and assist residents in this process.

Computers in Medicine

TFM has been a leader in the implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR). This EMR, in use since 2000, serves as an integrated health system for nearly 400 physicians in the community and has been an invaluable tool for gaining additional skills during residency. In keeping with recommendations from AAFP’s “Future of Family Medicine”, TFM continues to explore options to bring medicine and technology together.

Residents also have access to two extensive computer-based library systems, one within MultiCare Health System itself, and the other through our affiliation with the University of Washington.

All residents are allocated CME money toward the purchase of a Palm or Pocket PC at the start of residency. Palms are used extensively for learning, notes, sign-outs, and documentation of procedures and experiences.