AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center emphasizes a community-based approach to healthcare, aiming to cultivate competent and dedicated physicians. As a teaching hospital, it integrates high-quality patient care with resident education, actively participating in the continuum of healthcare delivery within the community.

Training Environment

The program is ACGME accredited and also maintains osteopathic recognition. It boasts a collegial atmosphere where residents are encouraged to engage in a continuous learning process. By integrating health information and community health engagement, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center ensures a well-rounded educational experience that equips residents with the requisite skills for efficient healthcare delivery.

Curriculum Overview

The residency utilizes a 4+1 curriculum structure that provides both inpatient and outpatient training. This model allows residents to focus intensively on outpatient care every fifth week, dedicating significant time to continuity of care. Residents experience diverse training across different rotations, including:

• Inpatient Floors (City/Mainland)
• Intensive Care Units (ICU)
• Night Medicine
• Ambulatory Cardiology
• Electives in various subspecialties

In their core rotations, PGY 2 residents undertake two weeks in the Neuro-intensive Care Unit. Additionally, PGY 3 residents have the opportunity for Leadership electives with senior management, further enhancing their managerial skills in healthcare.

Didactics and Learning Opportunities

Didactic experiences are critical components of the educational framework at AtlantiCare. Regular conference series cover essential topics in high-value care, evidence-based medicine, and board preparation. Notable didactic formats include:

• Morning Reports, held weekly, featuring case presentations and discussions led by residents and faculty.
• Academic Half Day every Wednesday, incorporating diverse lectures, journal clubs, and multidisciplinary conferences.
• Ambulatory and interactive lectures discussing prevalent chronic diseases and management strategies.

These sessions provide a platform for residents to enhance clinical reasoning, engage in interactive learning, and prepare for board examinations effectively.

Research and Scholarly Activity

AtlantiCare promotes scholarly activity among residents, encouraging them to engage in research and present findings at national and regional conferences. This focus empowers residents to contribute to medical knowledge and fosters a culture of inquiry and critical thinking.

Resident Wellness

Recognizing the importance of wellness in a demanding profession, the program implements various wellness initiatives through a dedicated Resident Wellness Committee. Activities include:

• Monthly wellness conferences and resident retreats.
• Access to mental health resources and facilitated social events.
• Engagement in recreational activities chosen by residents, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

This comprehensive approach ensures residents are supported both personally and professionally throughout their training.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program offers support for J-1 visa sponsorship. However, it is important to note that J-1 visas will not be accepted by the program for the current application cycle. Consequently, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. The program requires that candidates hold a graduation date from January 2022 or later, and that they successfully pass either Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 on their first attempt. Applicants must also submit their applications through ERAS, including three letters of recommendation with at least one from internal medicine faculty, a personal statement, and a Dean's letter.

Competitiveness and Demographics

AtlantiCare's Internal Medicine Residency Program is characterized as being friendly to both DO and IMG candidates. It maintains a competitive selection process while fostering diversity among its residents. The program aims to create an inclusive environment conducive to learning and professional development.

Salary and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits which include meal allowances, free parking, health benefits, discounts at local fitness centers, and stipends for educational resources. Salaries for the academic year 2024-2025 are as follows:

• PGY 1: $65,646.72
• PGY 2: $68,083.62
• PGY 3: $70,629.61

This structured compensation aims to support residents as they pursue their education and training while balancing personal life commitments.