Brookwood Baptist Health Program
Location:
Birminham, ALSpecialty:
Transitional yearACGME Code:
9990100001NRMP Program Code:
1903999P0Transitional Year Residency Program Overview
The Transitional Year Residency Program at Brookwood Baptist Health is designed to create a solid foundation for future specialty training by delivering a broad-based clinical experience. Set in Birmingham, Alabama, the program encompasses engaging rotations across several specialties, providing residents with crucial skills and insights necessary for their medical careers. This program emphasizes the importance of core clinical competencies while also offering a diverse variety of elective rotations tailored to individual interests.
1Curriculum
The curriculum for the Transitional Year is structured to ensure all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements are met. Residents participate in clinical rotations across Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Radiology, while gaining exposure to multiple subspecialties through elective opportunities. The teaching model focuses on foundational clinical skills and ambulatory care, ensuring residents receive comprehensive training throughout their year.
5In addition to clinical responsibilities, there is a strong emphasis on didactic learning through lectures, case discussions, and board review sessions, which are integral to the curriculum. Attendance and active participation in these educational activities are mandatory for all trainees.
6Rotations and Electives
The program offers diverse clinical rotations at its primary training sites: Princeton Baptist Medical Center and Grandview Medical Center. Both facilities are committed to providing a rich learning environment, featuring a wide array of clinical cases that prepare residents for their later specialization. Electives are plentiful and can be customized to meet the learning objectives of each resident, ensuring the training is relevant to their future career paths.
1Research and Scholarly Activity
Each resident is encouraged to actively participate in research and scholarly activities during their training year. There are opportunities to present findings at local and regional conferences, fostering a culture of inquiry and improvement among residents. These experiences are vital in developing critical thinking skills and the ability to contribute to advancements in the healthcare field.
4Faculty and Mentorship
The faculty at Brookwood Baptist Health consists of dedicated, full-time educators and numerous volunteer faculty passionate about teaching and mentoring. Each resident is assigned a core faculty mentor who guides them through their journey, ensuring they receive personalized support tailored to their professional goals.
6Benefits and Support
Brookwood Baptist Health offers a residency experience that includes several favorable benefits such as free meals, parking services, and other resident perks aimed at ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic. The program has also received positive feedback from current and former residents regarding the organizational culture, emphasizing kindness and support among peers and faculty.
3Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements
The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) but does not typically support H-1B visas. Applicants should have completed USMLE Step II or COMLEX equivalent examinations prior to residency. It is crucial for applicants with multiple failed exam attempts to check with the specific program requirements, as some programs enforce stricter policies regarding examination history.
2Competitiveness and Applicant Profile
The Transitional Year residency at Brookwood Baptist Health is highly competitive. The program typically attracts a diverse group of applicants, including U.S. Allopathic Medical Graduates (MDs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The supportive environment, coupled with the broad clinical experiences offered, makes this program appealing to many prospective residents.
1Birmingham and Living Environment
Residents enjoy the advantages of living in Birmingham, a vibrant city with rich cultural offerings, including numerous restaurants, entertainment venues, and outdoor activities. The community-oriented atmosphere combined with the educational opportunities in medicine present in Birmingham make it an attractive place for those considering residency.
1Website
Director
Lauren Pacheco, MDProgram Director, Transitional Year Appointed Since June 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$59,000First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
3 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
96%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
220Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Birmingham, AL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Birmingham, AL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Birmingham has a varied crime rate, with certain areas experiencing higher levels of crime than others. It's essential for residents to be aware of their surroundings and choose neighborhoods wisely. Some areas have community safety programs that contribute to lower crime rates.
- Fun Activities: Birmingham offers a range of activities, from cultural institutions like the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Civil Rights Institute to parks such as Railroad Park. There are also plenty of restaurants, music events, and festivals throughout the year, catering to diverse interests.
- Climate: Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Expect temperatures to soar in the summer months, typically reaching the high 80s to mid-90s (°F), while winter temperatures average in the 40s to low 50s (°F).
- Race and Population: Birmingham is a diverse city with a population that reflects a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds. According to recent demographics, the population is approximately 70% African American, 25% White, and 5% other races.
- Education: Birmingham is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which is known for its healthcare programs. Several public and private K-12 schools also offer educational opportunities for families.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Birmingham is generally lower than the national average, particularly concerning housing, transportation, and groceries, making it an attractive option for many residents.
- Bigger Cities Nearby: Atlanta, GA, is approximately 150 miles away (around a 2.5-hour drive), and Nashville, TN, is about 200 miles away (around a 3-hour drive). Both cities boast a vibrant music scene and numerous cultural attractions, making them popular weekend getaway destinations.
- Pros: Lower cost of living, rich cultural history, diverse community, availability of healthcare education opportunities, and a range of recreational activities.
- Cons: Higher crime rates in certain areas, limited public transportation options, and potential for higher humidity and heat during summer months.
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