Advanced Practice Provider Primary Care Residency Program
We know that primary care is the bedrock of the entire healthcare system and is as challenging as it is essential. The Berkshire Health Systems Primary Care APP Residency is a highly selective, paid, post-graduate training program designed to support newly graduated Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants as they navigate the transition to independent practice.
This 12–24-month residency combines structured clinical experience, protected education time, and dedicated preceptor support — with a clear pathway to permanent employment within Berkshire Health Systems upon successful completion.
Why Choose This Residency?
- Competitive salary with full benefits
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- 12–24-month structured program (individualized progression)
- Opportunities for permanent primary care placement may be available upon completion
- Supportive, educational preceptor environment
- Protected weekly didactic time
Program Structure
- 4 days/week: Continuity Primary Care Clinic, with protected administrative time
- 1 day/week: Specialty Rotations
- 3 hours/week: Protected Didactics & Case-Based Learning
- Quarterly formal evaluations with individualized learning plans
Clinical & Educational Focus
Aligned with APP Fellowship & Residency (APPFA) standards across clinical care, professionalism, quality improvement, interprofessional practice, and systems-based care.
Specialty Rotations Include:
- Behavioral Health
- Women’s Health
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Urgent Care
- Addiction Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Renal
- Infectious Disease
- Procedure-focused electives
Progressive, Supportive Training Model
Residents progress from supervised foundations to increasing autonomy, leadership, and independent practice. Advancement is competency-based and supported by ongoing feedback.
Mission-Driven Training Environment
Training reflects Berkshire Health Systems’ commitment to Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, with a strong focus on inclusive, community-centered primary care.
This is a competitive program with limited positions. Ideal candidates are motivated, curious, and committed to building a strong foundation in primary care.
How to Apply
To ensure a thoughtful and holistic review, the application process includes the following components:
- Completed residency application form
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official graduate transcript (you may submit an unofficial transcript during the application process but will require official transcripts once accepted)
- Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing:
- Your interest in primary care
- Your professional goals
- Why a structured transition-to-practice program is important to you
- Why Berkshire Health Systems mission and values align with your professional goals
- Three professional letters of recommendation (at least one clinical faculty or preceptor preferred)
- Proof of certification eligibility or certification status (NP or PA)
- Complete the APP Primary Care Residency Career Posting on the Berkshire Health Systems Website
If you are interested in applying to the APP Primary Residency Program or have any questions on the process, we’d love to hear from you.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Rebecca Caine: Medical Director of Primary Care Services
Dr. Caine is a General Internist with over 20 years of experience in complex disease management and diagnoses. She appreciates the importance of forming a partnership with her patients to foster the trust necessary to provide excellent care. In her role as Medical Director for Primary Care she supports the multiple primary care practices throughout the county to provide this type of generational care to our community. In her free time, she enjoys local theater and music, hiking with her husband and dogs, and tending her organic vegetable garden.
Chris Camillo: Vice President of Physician Services
Chris is known for his approachable leadership style and deep commitment to supporting physicians and advanced practice providers while spearheading the transformation of our primary care model. Chris started his career in health care through AmeriCorps, serving for two years at federal qualified health center in Providence, Rhode Island. He continued in various leadership roles in community health, primary care, and care transformation. After 6 years of living and working in the Berkshires, he brings both professional insight and a personal passion to helping providers thrive in a region he loves. Chris is a trusted partner across specialties, forming strong relationships by working closely with our leadership, clinical care, and recruitment teams. Outside of work, he enjoys all the Berkshires has to offer with his family, making him a true advocate for living, working, and raising a family in the region.
Christa Gariepy: Director of Primary Care Operations
Christa is a community-minded healthcare leader with a strong track record in driving positive outcomes in a constantly evolving industry. With a doctorate in healthcare administration, Christa brings over 20 years of expertise in healthcare operations, patient experience, risk management, strategic planning, and team development, she brings both vision and authenticity to every role. Her leadership is grounded in the core values of accountability, service, and collaboration. Christa, born and raised in the Berkshires, lives here with her family, where she enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring the region’s local restaurants.
Adrien Conklin: Director of Nursing & Primary Care
As a native of the Berkshires, Adrien brings over a decade of experience to her role as Director of Nursing. She is deeply committed to community-focused care, playing a pivotal role in supporting clinical teams and collaborating to improve patient care. Known for her dedication to rural healthcare, Adrien is passionate about developing systems that benefit both patients and care teams. She resides in rural New York State with her family and enjoys exploring the scenic trails of the Berkshires and rural New York with her two dogs.
Cody Emond: Primary Care Provider Recruitment
Cody is an experienced healthcare recruiter with a strong focus on connecting primary care physicians to meaningful opportunities in the scenic Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. With a background in both agency and in-house recruitment, he brings a thoughtful, full-cycle approach to hiring, and has successfully recruited across specialties including Primary Care, Anesthesia, Hospitalist, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. Known for his deep appreciation of the region, Cody helps candidates find not just the right opportunity but understands that a life balance is important on every level. Cody Emond is a devoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner on a mission to earn his black belt, and when he’s not on the mats you’ll find him in the backyard alongside his wife, tending to their garden beds and caring for a flock of chickens. An unapologetic animal lover, his household happily buzzes with three playful dogs and a curious cat.
Candace Davis: Director of APP Primary Care Residency Program
Candace Davis is the Director of Berkshire Health Systems’ (BHS) APP Primary Care Residency Program. In addition to her teaching role, Candace is part of the care team at BHS’s Lenox Family Health.
Previously, Candace also served as Executive Clinical Director of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and Director of the Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, Maine where she also practiced Internal Medicine. In this educational leadership role, she provided clinical oversight, training, and mentorship for APPs across a multisite Federally Qualified Health Center, strengthening both provider development and patient care delivery.
Candace earned her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing. She is currently a doctoral candidate pursuing both a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Her care philosophy centers on empowering patients through education and prioritizing lifestyle modifications as the first line of treatment, fostering long-term health and well-being.