What Makes St. Margaret's Special

Choosing the right residency program is one of the most important decisions in your medical career. At UPMC St. Margaret, we offer a unique combination of world-class resources, a supportive and collaborative learning environment, and a deep commitment to community-centered care. Here, you won’t just train in family medicine—you’ll become part of a vibrant medical community that values your growth, fosters innovation, and prepares you to be a leader in comprehensive, patient-focused health care. Discover what sets St. Margaret apart and why it could be the perfect place to launch your career.

Our Place in the Medical Community 

UPMC St. Margaret holds a leadership role in Family Medicine as one of the oldest and largest Family Medicine Residency Programs in Pennsylvania. A number of our graduates enjoy inpatient medicine, and still admit and follow their patients here rather than relying on the hospitalist service. Family physicians are responsible for over 50% of the hospital’s admissions.

Our residency program has earned national recognition for the quality of our residents, faculty, and fellows. Each year national organizations such as the American Board of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) ask our faculty to contribute to various academic projects. Our residents have presented at regional and national meetings, including Family Medicine Education Consortium, STFM, and The North American Primary Care Research Group. 

Our Emphasis on Family Medicine

At UPMC St. Margaret, family physicians are recognized as critical to the health of our patients, our community, and the nation. Our resident physicians are indispensable providers of care at our three Family Health Centers. Family medicine is the only residency that calls UPMC St. Margaret home, and that focus is reflected in everything we do. The medical staff, administration, and patients place high value on the contributions of our resident physicians — not only in outpatient settings but also in the ICU and monitored-bed units where they play an integral role in hospital care.

Our Approach to Health Care

An integrated approach to comprehensive health care is central to the UPMC St. Margaret residency experience. Across both the hospital and our Family Health Centers, our care model is rooted in teamwork and collaboration.

Our care team includes:

  • Family physicians
  • Clinical pharmacists
  • Social workers
  • A faculty psychiatrist
  • Family medicine/psychiatry combined residents
  • Nurses
  • Dietitians

This interdisciplinary model ensures that patients receive holistic care that addresses not just physical health, but also behavioral, social, and nutritional needs.

We also actively partner with local schools and community-based organizations to address public health needs and improve outcomes across the region. This community-centered focus prepares our residents to be leaders in population health and advocates for health equity.

Our Friendly, Supportive Atmosphere

UPMC St. Margaret is an incredibly supportive place to work, learn, and grow as a physician. Our residency fosters a culture of mentorship, wellness, and community — both inside and outside the hospital.

Residents meet regularly with faculty advisors who provide personalized mentorship to help them achieve their career goals. A dedicated Wellness Committee — made up of residents and faculty — organizes activities and shares resources that promote personal well-being, resilience, and balance.

Some highlights of our resident community life include:

  • Yearly class weekend retreats 
  • Monthly intern night's out
  • The annual resident/faculty Turkey Bowl
  • Fall social events
  • Holiday parties
  • Summer golf outings

Residents also enjoy the rich cultural offerings of Pittsburgh — from museums and festivals to concerts, parks, and sporting events — making it easy to maintain a fulfilling life outside of training.