Ascension Illinois/Saint Francis Program

Ascension Saint Francis offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program that provides an enriching and balanced educational experience for aspiring internists. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the program has a profound history of over 50 years in training residents and is recognized for its contributions to family-centered care in the community.

The residency program boasts accreditation as a Chest Pain Center and as a Joint Commission-accredited Primary Stroke Center, ensuring residents gain exposure to high-quality medical care settings. The hospital's advanced facilities include state-of-the-art resources, including a wound care center with hyperbaric chambers, all designed to enhance the training experience for residents.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide residents with a robust foundation in general internal medicine while offering diverse clinical experiences. The first year primarily involves hands-on training in general medicine floors for six to eight months and one month in the Emergency Department. Additionally, residents will partake in the intensive care unit, electives, and night float rotations throughout their residency, ensuring they develop essential skills in various settings.

In the subsequent years, residents will have the opportunity to choose from several electives, reinforcing their interests and enhancing their skills in various subspecialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and more. They will also engage in outpatient care, spending a significant percentage of their time in community clinics following a dedicated panel of patients.1

Research Opportunities

Residents are actively encouraged to participate in research, with dedicated time allocated during the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years to work on research projects without clinical responsibilities. Resources such as statisticians and available grants further support resident scholarly activities. Participation in regional and national conferences is commonplace, providing additional exposure and recognition in the medical community.3

Faculty and Education

The faculty at Ascension Saint Francis comprises a diverse group of well-accomplished clinicians committed to fostering a supportive educational environment. With an impressive track record in academic medicine and access to a broad range of clinical expertise, residents benefit from strong mentorship opportunities throughout their training. Maintenance of a high standard for training is evident in the program’s 99% pass rate on board certification exams over the past decade.4

Visa Support

Ascension Saint Francis is supportive of international medical graduates, offering sponsorship for H-1 and J-1 visas for residency applicants. While ECFMG certification is not mandatory to secure an interview, it is preferred to enhance an applicant's candidacy.5

Application Requirements

A competitive candidate typically has USMLE scores of 220 or above, although applicants with lower scores may still be considered if they bring other notable attributes to the program. Preference is also given to applicants who have graduated from medical school within the past five years. All interested applicants must submit their applications through the AAMC Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). The application deadline is December 1.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Ascension Saint Francis enjoy a competitive annual stipend that increases with each postgraduate year. The program also provides comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with educational stipends for continuing medical education (CME) activities. Additional perks include 20 days of vacation and sick leave, support for parental leave, free on-site parking, and access to a fitness center.6

Life in the Program

A typical day for residents at Ascension Saint Francis begins with a morning report, followed by rounds with attending physicians. Educational opportunities are prioritized, with regular lectures covering important medical topics and well-structured learning sessions. The program promotes a balanced work-life dynamic while ensuring that residents are well-prepared for their future careers in medicine.2