This study used an online survey with open-ended questions to assess residents experiences with curricular innovations as part of learning to practice as physicians in a . The survey questions were distributed every six to 12 months. This analysis focuses on responses to a single question administered once, “What does being a personal physician working in a medical home mean to you?” Two independent researchers analyzed text responses using an immersion-crystallization approach. The full research team met to discuss emerging themes. Principal findings: Sixty-two residents representing 78.6% of participating training programs responded to the online survey question that is the focus of this analysis. Overwhelmingly, resident respondents reported finding meaning in the humanistic and interpersonal aspects of medicine. In particular, residents reported that being a personal physician in a PCMH meant being the go-to person for patients’ healthcare needs. This included delivering patient-centered, continuous care in the context of a physician-patient relationship that broke down the traditional physician-patient hierarchy. Being a personal physician also included an important role for the physician and clinical team members in orchestrating the referral and care coordination process. To accomplish this, residents recognized that personal physicians needed to learn the art of practice.