Loma Linda preventive medicine residents have been working at Patton State Hospital since 1986. During that time, residents have contributed in many important ways to the hospital. Each of the learning projects has benefited Patton by helping to solve a problem, develop a policy, investigate or study the epidemiology of a disease, or develop a system of value to the institution. Results have also been used to guide public health policy at Patton. In general, a preventive medicine resident spends three months at Patton State Hospital.
Some residents return for a second or third rotation.
This time is usually divided among two or more different residents working on various projects a few half days a week. The residents are under the direct supervision of Dr. Ronald Hattis, MD, MPH, Chief Physician, who is an associate clinical professor on the Loma Linda faculty in preventive medicine and health administration. In addition to working with Dr. Hattis, the residents work closely with other members of the public health staff on research, writing, and presentation of projects and policies. In the past, residents have worked on a variety of projects. This includes literature reviews on federal AIDS control strategies.