Ascension Illinois/Saint Francis Program
Location:
Evanston, ILSpecialty:
Transitional yearACGME Code:
9991600038NRMP Program Code:
1168999P0The Ascension Saint Francis Transitional Year Residency provides a comprehensive one-year clinical training experience divided into 13 four-week rotation blocks. This program is specifically structured for medical school graduates who are preparing for advanced training in their chosen specialty fields or clinical careers that necessitate a clinical base year.
This transitional year is ideal for medical graduates who desire to acquire fundamental clinical education as a prerequisite for advanced specialties such as Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Radiology, or Anesthesiology. Additionally, it caters to those planning to serve as general medical officers in public health organizations or military settings, as well as those needing to transition into administrative medicine or non-clinical research.
Program Overview
Ascension Saint Francis is a licensed acute care facility with 270 beds, located in Evanston, Illinois. The residency site has a robust training environment with nearly 100 residents actively engaged in various residency programs. In addition to the Transitional Year, Ascension Saint Francis supports categorical programs in medicine and diagnostic radiology, along with consortium programs in emergency medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. The facility also collaborates with the University of Illinois Chicago for general surgery residency training.
1Curriculum
The curriculum comprises mandatory rotations totaling 13 blocks, each lasting four weeks. Mandatory rotations include:
- Internal Medicine: 6 blocks (24 weeks)
- Surgery-Trauma: 1 block (4 weeks)
- Emergency Medicine: 1 block (4 weeks)
- Ambulatory Primary Care: 1 block (4 weeks)
Residents must choose two additional blocks from select areas in medicine or a critical care rotation. Selective options include specialties such as Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hematology-Oncology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Disease. There are also two elective blocks with further opportunities for rotations in Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, and other subspecialties.
2Application Process
The Ascension Saint Francis Transitional Year Residency participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and accepts applications via the AAMC's Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application deadline is set for December 1, with special considerations for individuals with military deferments or early match results. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program coordinator for potential late applications in these situations.
To apply, candidates must submit a complete ERAS application that includes:
- Medical School Transcript
- USMLE Transcript
- Dean's Letter or MSPE
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
Minimum criteria for applicants set by the program include achieving a USMLE Step 1 score of at least 200 and being no more than five years post-graduation from medical school.
3Visa Support and Requirements
Ascension Saint Francis offers visa sponsorships for H-1B and J-1 visas, making it a viable option for international medical graduates. Although foreign medical graduates are welcomed, possessing an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification is preferred, but not mandatory for the interview process.
4Salary and Benefits
The program ensures competitive resident salaries, which are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on cost of living changes. For postgraduate year 1, the salary is $60,623, with incremental increases for subsequent years up to $73,300 in year six. Comprehensive insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as disability and medical liability insurance, is provided alongside time-off allowances for vacation and educational purposes.
Additional benefits include:
- 20 days of vacation/sick/educational leave
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) stipends
- Child care services
- Fitness center memberships
- Access to a 24-hour library and online resources
Website
Director
Alan Senh, MDProgram Director Transitional Year Appointed Since July 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
72hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$63,691First Year Paid Vacation:
15 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
5 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
95%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Evanston, IL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Evanston, IL
Evanston, IL is a vibrant and diverse city located just north of Chicago, making it a great location for both work and leisure activities. Here are some aspects to consider about living in Evanston:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Evanston is generally considered a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its own share of crime. It's advisable to take standard safety precautions.
- Fun Activities: Evanston offers a variety of cultural events, art galleries, restaurants, and outdoor activities. You can enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline, parks, and local festivals.
- Climate: Evanston experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snow in winter and humidity in summer.
- Races and Population: The population in Evanston is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities, creating a rich cultural environment.
- Education: Evanston is home to Northwestern University, which enriches the city's academic and cultural environment. The presence of the university adds to the overall intellectual vibe of the city.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Evanston is relatively high compared to other cities in the Midwest, mainly due to its proximity to Chicago.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Chicago is just a short drive away from Evanston, usually taking around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Chicago offers a wide range of entertainment, dining, and cultural opportunities.
Interview Questions
