Ascension Illinois/Saint Joseph (Chicago) Program

Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program that emphasizes both clinical training and scholarly activities within a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The program strives to develop residents into proficient internists who are equipped with essential medical knowledge and outstanding interpersonal skills, vital for building doctor-patient relationships.

Program Structure

The Internal Medicine Department at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago is a large and well-structured environment that provides residents with a robust clinical experience across inpatient and outpatient settings. The program includes an initial two-month Intern Workshop that covers vital skills needed in both settings, significantly benefiting residents as they embark on their training. Workshops cover practical topics such as pelvic exams, history-taking, and burnout prevention, among other essential skills.1

Continuity Clinics

The residency entails clinical rotations at two primary continuity clinic sites: Laboure Clinic, which serves LGBTQ patients and older adults, and a CommunityHealth clinic dedicated to immigrant and low-income populations. This exposure allows residents to enhance their understanding of culturally diverse patient needs while providing them hands-on experience in various clinical scenarios.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to ensure that residents acquire broad knowledge across multiple specialties, with core electives in cardiology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, among others. Rotations are integrated into the training schedule, allowing residents to engage in direct patient care while working alongside fellows and faculty members. First-year residents spend significant time on the general medicine and telemetry units, emphasizing patient-centered care with dedicated teaching environments.3

Throughout the residency, critical care education is provided in both the ICU at Ascension Saint Joseph and Ascension Saint Mary - Chicago, giving residents varied exposures and learning opportunities from full-time intensivists and specialist faculty.3

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the residency program, with dedicated time allocated for residents to engage in quality improvement (QI) projects. Each resident works closely with faculty mentors across different specialty focus groups, facilitating a rich learning environment that promotes research skills and enhances future career goals.4

Training Environment

The program prides itself on maintaining a strong sense of community among residents. A dedicated wellness committee organizes social activities, fostering friendships and teamwork beyond clinical rotations. From communal meals to monthly birthday celebrations, residents benefit from a supportive environment that values their wellbeing and camaraderie.1

Application Process and Competitiveness

The Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago Internal Medicine Residency participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program is competitive, typically favoring candidates who have graduated from medical school within the last five years and achieved scores of at least 240 on Step II, although nuanced applications are considered on an individual basis.6

Visa sponsorship is provided for H1B and J1 visa types, accommodating both international medical graduates (IMGs) and graduates from osteopathic schools. Applicants are encouraged to have experiences in the U.S., though it is not a strict requirement.5

Salary and Benefits

Residents receive competitive annual stipends starting at $60,623 for PGY-1, with increments up to $73,300 for PGY-6. In addition, comprehensive medical, dental, and disability insurance, as well as educational stipends for continuing medical education (CME), contribute to a well-rounded benefits package.7