Residency is a wild ride — but it's one you're doing together. This guide covers everything from how the training year is structured to family benefits, plus the best the Central Valley has to offer. Bookmark it, share it, and reach out to our family support group anytime.
Residency Program Structure
EM Rotations
Multiple rotations in the Residency Pod at the Modesto ER throughout all three years.
PEM & PICU — Oakland
Intern & 2nd year: 1 month in Oakland (PEM). 3rd year: 2 months in Oakland (PICU + PEM). A hotel is provided for the full stay.
ICU Rotations
ICU each year: 1 rotation for interns & 3rd-years, 2 rotations for 2nd-years. Expect 12.5–13 hr days, 6 days a week — plan ahead as a family.
Elective Rotations
2nd & 3rd-year residents get a 2-week elective (extendable to a month). Options include local ERs, research, wilderness, rural medicine, or even a foreign rotation.
ITE — In-Training Exam
Annual benchmark exam every Spring. A minimum score is required for 3rd-years to be eligible for moonlighting.
Graduation 🎊
3rd-year graduation is held every June. Interns, 2nd-years, and all families are warmly encouraged to attend and celebrate together.
⏰ Heads up for ICU months: The schedule runs 12.5–13 hours/day, 6 days a week. These blocks are intense — lean on the family support community, plan meals ahead, and give each other extra grace during those weeks.
Family Benefits
Medical & Dental Insurance
💡- Full health and dental coverage for spouse and dependents — completely free
- No co-pays (only $5 for Rx)
- Includes no co-pays for having a baby
- Cigna supplemental coverage for travel emergencies or specialty referrals (incl. mental health)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
💡- Work or personal stress support
- Marital, family, or relationship counseling referrals
- Anxiety, depression & emotional wellness resources
- Childcare and dependent care referrals
- Financial and legal referrals
- Domestic violence support & loss/grief counseling
Spending Accounts
- Pre-tax commuter account for public transit
- Pre-tax dependent care / childcare spending account
- Accessible through the resident's HR portal
Employee Discounts
💡- Hotels & destination vacations
- Theme parks — Disneyland, Universal Studios, and more
- Restaurants, cruises, and entertainment
Retirement Savings
💡- 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity — both Roth and traditional options
- Roth is highly recommended: residency is the lowest tax bracket you'll ever be in
- Starting in 2nd year, KP contributes a percentage (not a match) to the retirement fund
Central Valley Recommendations
Crowdsourced by current residents and families — an ever-growing list of favorites across the area. Want to add something? Contact Allison Herout at (707) 301-0800.
Modesto
- ›Bistro 135
- ›Central Coffee
- ›Bean and Leaf
- ›El Jardin
- ›Las Casuelas
- ›House of Mokha
- ›Chit Chat Cafe & Bakery
- ›Tacos Chapala
- ›Deli Delicious
- ›Ice Cream Emporium
- ›Gold Dust Pizza
- ›Falcon's Lair
- ›Vine House
- ›Primos
- ›Culture Coffee
- ›Lucille
- ›Teaspoon
- ›Mr. T's Donuts
- ›Tandoor Flame
- ›Camp 4
- ›Memo's Cocina
- ›Poke Bowl
- ›The Secret Garden
- ›Protein House
- ›Mr. Taquito
- ›El Bistro by Salt and Pepper
- ›Bauhaus
- ›Golden Spoon Thai
Manteca & Ripon
Stockton & Lodi
Turlock
Events & Social Calendar
What's a block?
KPCVEM residency runs on 4-week rotations called blocks— there are 13 per year. Each block, your resident rotates through a different clinical assignment (ED shifts, ICU, pediatrics, etc.). Knowing the block schedule helps you anticipate when they'll be busier, when they have nights off, and when social events are coming up.
About this calendar
Each block has two recurring events. Wellness Wednesdays are one Wednesday night off per month for social time — during interview season these are often hosted at residents' homes with food provided. Journal Clubs are evenings where residents discuss a clinical article; families are warmly welcome for the social aspect and dinner is included. The dates shown are protected time— residents won't be scheduled for shifts — but the events themselves typically start around 5 PM that Wednesday.
Camp 4, Modesto · Dr. Nadir
Times shown are protected shift-off windows. Events typically begin around 5 PM Wednesday evenings.
You're not alone in this
The KPCVEM family support group is here for you. Whether you need a restaurant recommendation, someone who understands what ICU month feels like from the other side, or just a friendly face in a new city — we've got you. Reach out to any resident family or program coordinator and we'll connect you.
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