Year 1
$70,500
+ $1,000 relocation
Benefits & Stipends
Support for your training and everyday life.
Your stipend increases each year, with insurance coverage and paid education, certifications, and professional memberships to support you along the way. With no state income tax in South Dakota, you’ll keep more of what you earn.
Insurance & coverage
Peace of mind from your first day.
Most benefits listed below are provided at no cost to you. As your employer, the Center for Family Medicine provides coverage starting on day one.
Health insurance
$0 costWellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Dakota. Single and family coverage at no cost. Effective day one of employment.
Dental insurance
Delta DentalDelta Dental single coverage at no cost. Family coverage available at the resident's expense.
Vision insurance
IncludedSingle vision coverage at no cost. Additional coverage available for purchase.
Life insurance
$50K term$50,000 term life policy at no cost, with conversion privilege when residency ends.
Long-term disability
$2,500/mo$2,500/month benefit. Premiums paid in full by the Center for Family Medicine, with conversion privilege at graduation.
Professional liability
Fully coveredFull malpractice coverage provided by the Center for Family Medicine at no cost to the resident.
Compensation extras
A little more support along the way.
Your stipend is just one part of the package. These additional benefits help support your life and training throughout residency.
Retirement
403(b) plan
Tax-advantaged retirement savings through the Center for Family Medicine. Start contributing during residency.
$3,000 education allowance
Total across all three years, rolls over annually. For books, meeting fees, and educational materials.
Free work lunches & free parking
Lunch is provided at Monday–Thursday noon conferences and any hospital on-call meals. Free Parking at clinic and hospital campuses.
5 paid meeting days
Years 2 and 3 each include five paid days for outside conferences and CME.
Moonlighting
Up to 60 hours per month allowed in Years 2 and 3.
Three-day funded retreat
Each year the program funds a resident-selected three-day weekend retreat at a nearby resort.
Two white coats + new laptop
Provided by the Center for Family Medicine when you start.
Education & professional development
Certifications and memberships are paid for
Course registrations provided at no cost
- ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support
- ALSO Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
- NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- BLS Basic Life Support (renewal)
- ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (renewal)
Professional memberships paid
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
- South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians
- South Dakota State Medical Association
Plus access to the Employee Assistance Program through both health systems.
Life beyond your stipend
Make yourself at home in Pierre.
With no state income tax, South Dakota lets you keep more of what you earn. As you plan your move, explore local housing options to find what fits your budget and your family.
Outside of training, enjoy Lake Oahe, local parks, downtown dining, and community events—plenty of ways to unwind and get to know your neighbors.
Plan for each year
Find the details for your next step.
Use the curriculum links above to explore stipend, vacation, and meeting-day details for each year. Want a feel for daily life here? Come spend time with us on a rotation.