Message From The Program Director

Welcome to the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.   I hope you find our web site interesting, informative, and will come back often to explore any new and exciting developments on this site. 

Our program has a long standing history of Family Medicine education.  Dr. L.P. Johnson who was a pioneer in Family Medicine started the program in 1972.   Our program has enjoyed continuous accreditation since its beginning.  To date, we have 293 graduates.  Most of our graduates practice in different sized communities in the United States including both rural and urban under-served communities.  We have graduates working in academic teaching centers and some even living and practicing internationally. 

Here are some of the reasons I consider our program to be one of the best! 

• We are the only post-graduate training program in Northern Illinois.  Our residents have available to them all of the patient-care resources of one of Illinois’ largest cities as well as the surrounding rural communities.
• The residents enjoy being taught directly by faculty from all Departments at the School of Medicine ensuring a quality and high volume experience.   
• Our core Family Medicine faculty has a wealth of talent.  Our faculty has practiced in rural, military, and metropolitan areas.  We have special expertise in patient-centered care, chronic illness care, rural health care, quality improvement initiatives, obstetrics, minor office procedures, wellness, alternative and complementary therapies, evidence-based medicine, and research. 
• We have a fantastic group of residents. We have been able to recruit a very diverse group of exceptional individuals.  I enjoy seeing the camaraderie among them, seeing their interest in learning, and in becoming excellent family physicians.  Our residents are truly our greatest resource.  
• Most all of the core rotations for the program are located at SwedishAmerican Hospital.  Swedes was recently named a top 100 quality hospital.  We enjoy the full support of the hospital administration and medical staff, led by the CEO, who is a graduate of our program.
• Our obstetrical training is one of the best in the country due to the overall volume and patient acuity!  If you are interested in training in operative deliveries, our operative OB track is just for you!   
• Educational excellence is one of the primary goals of the program.  As a faculty we have developed a strong didactic training experience.  Our case-based morning report conferences are excellent!  Our noon-time curriculum focuses on topics you frequently see on the ABFM certification examination.      
• I love our community!  Rockford will impress you with its warm and friendly Midwestern hospitality.  The community supports a large parks and recreational system with golf, biking, and walking paths.  Theatre, museums, and a renowned symphony orchestra thrive in this community.  You will find many boating and riverfront activities along the Rock River.

Our faculty is proud of the educational experience we provide in our program.  We want to hear from you!  or call at (800) 764-4405. 

Farion R. Williams, M.D.

Residency Program Director
Department of Family and Community Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford