Farmington

The population of Farmington is 16,097 and the four county service area populations are 113,000.  Known for its wealth of fishing, parks, and other types of nearby recreational areas, it is an area of impressive natural history and beauty. Taum Sauk Mountain, Elephant Rocks, Washington, Sam A. Baker and Johnson Shut-Ins State Parks are some of the outdoor areas located within short driving distances.  In addition, many local rivers and streams offer excellent fishing, boating, and floating opportunities in the great outdoors. The region is also home to historic early settlements and wineries.  Located within an hour drive of urban St. Louis, MO, this rural community provides many modern amenities including retail shops, malls, excellent restaurants, cinemas, water slides, off-road vehicle tracks, stock car racing, and much more! Visitors to this southeastern Missouri community never lack for things to do. Visit www.farmingtonmo.org for more community information.

Due to its close proximity to St. Louis, students training in Farmington enjoy easy access to many additional museums and theatrical or sporting events as well.  For all the Cardinal fans out there, you are a mere 90 minutes away from a Cardinals game or any other sporting event in the St. Louis area.

Average cost of housing
Rental units range from $500-$750 per month; Houses range from $100,000 to $150,000, although nice smaller homes can be found for under $90,000.  This is a major benefit to training in southeast Missouri.  Students struggle to get by during medical school and with the cost of living being lower than in the city; students are able to live comfortable without a huge strain on their budget.

Nearest major airport
The Farmington community has a small local airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) is a short 90 minute drive north

Nearest expressway
Farmington is located directly on Hwy 67 about 30 minutes south of Interstate 55 at Crystal City

Informational websites – www.farmington-mo.gov

Students will pre-round with patients in the mornings and follow typical 9-5 office hours to see patients in preceptor clinics.  Evening or weekend call is at the discretion of each individual preceptor.  Didactic opportunities are provided at each hospital.  Depending on the rotation and the volume of patients that you see with your individual preceptor, you will sometimes have late afternoons for reading and study time.

Every rotation is with an individual attending physician, so exposure to patients is definitely increased. When the attending is comfortable with your abilities, you will generally find yourself becoming more responsible for individual patients that are assigned to you, however all care is monitored and supervised by your preceptor.

During your off time, Farmington has plenty of things of interest to see and do. There are some beautiful golf courses around town, movie theaters, recreational events, and local shopping opportunities. St. Louis is a short drive for any kind of entertainment you could want. With the low cost of living in Farmington you can certainly afford to take part in these activities. Farmington is a great place to live and work, and the lack of traffic jams make personal and family time easy to enjoy.

Student feedback regarding site

“Rotations in Farmington are very hands-on. I have delivered babies, sutured, was first assist on C-sections and other operations, inserted a chest tube, and have done a lumbar puncture… all in my first four rotations. I really enjoy the one-on-one focus with the attendings.”

“The one-on-one training I received from my preceptors taught me more than any prepared lecture could. I know my board scores definitely reflected this training. They brought medicine out of the text book and into real life.”