Specialty:
Transitional yearACGME Code:
9991800220NRMP Program Code:
1201999P0The Transitional Year Residency Program at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines is a vital training ground for residents preparing for subspecialty fellowship training. Established in 1991, this fully accredited program is recognized for its quality education and has helped over 120 residents progress to prestigious categorical residency programs across multiple specialties including anesthesiology, dermatology, and radiation oncology. The program currently enrolls four residents each year, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship.1
Curriculum and Training Facilities
The Transitional Year Residency Program is tailored to offer a diverse range of experiences across various medical disciplines. This curriculum is designed not only to prepare residents for their categorical training but also to help them refine their long-term medical education goals. The program includes rotations at several institutions: Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Blank Children's Hospital, VA Central Iowa Healthcare System, and Broadlawns Medical Center. This exposure ensures residents encounter a wide spectrum of patient cases, contributing to well-rounded training outcomes.1
Core Rotations
Key components of the residency include:
- Inpatient Internal Medicine (12 weeks): Residents complete rotations at Iowa Methodist, Broadlawns, and the VA Medical Center, focusing on general medicine with excellent faculty guidance.
- Surgery Rotation (4 weeks): This rotation includes experience in both trauma and general surgery, offering practical insights into a variety of surgical interventions.
- Critical Care (4 weeks): Residents manage patients in the Medical ICU, participating in comprehensive critical care under the supervision of board-certified faculty.
- Ambulatory Internal Medicine (6 weeks): This outpatient rotation sharpens residents' skills in managing diverse patient populations in a clinic setting.
- Emergency Medicine (4 weeks): Residents gain vital hands-on experience in a busy Level 1 trauma center, addressing various acute medical concerns.1
Elective Rotations
The program allows for significant flexibility with 16 weeks of elective rotations. This includes opportunities in adolescent medicine, dermatology, anesthesiology, cardiology, critical care, and various procedural and surgical disciplines. Residents can choose electives that align with their career aspirations, further enhancing their educational experience.1
Didactic and Conference Opportunities
Residents participate in a variety of conferences including check-in rounds, morning reports, morbidity and mortality sessions, and grand rounds. This structure fosters a collaborative learning environment where residents can discuss complex cases and medical literature with experienced faculty and peers.1
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is notably friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, reflecting its commitment to inclusiveness in residency training. Applicants must hold passing USMLE or COMLEX scores and are encouraged to demonstrate strong clinical skills, team-oriented qualities, and a genuine interest in patient-centered care. Letters of recommendation and a personal statement articulating the candidate's aspirations are also essential components of the application.1
Visa Support
The program provides support for residents in securing visas, particularly J1 visas for foreign medical graduates. This facilitates the participation of international physicians who meet the program's selection criteria.1
Benefits and Stipend
Residents in the Transitional Year Residency Program receive a competitive stipend with an annual salary of $67,305. Additional benefits include health insurance options, disability coverage, and an annual educational allowance for attendance at medical meetings or purchasing educational materials. Furthermore, residents enjoy generous paid time off, travel insurance, and other resources designed to support their health and wellness during training.1
Resident Life and Support
The program nurtures a supportive and collegial atmosphere that encourages resident well-being. This close-knit community helps residents navigate the challenges of residency while fostering professional and personal growth. Engaging activities and informal gatherings enhance camaraderie, which is vital for building a successful undergraduate education.1
Conclusion
Participating in the Transitional Year Residency Program at Iowa Methodist Medical Center equips residents with the required clinical skills and experiences necessary for subsequent categorical training.1
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Director
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
55 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
24 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$67,305First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Admission
Location
Des Moines, IA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Des Moines, IA
- Crime Rate and Safety
Des Moines has various neighborhoods with differing levels of safety. Overall, it's considered a relatively safe city, but it's advisable to research specific neighborhoods before choosing a place to live. - Fun Activities
Des Moines offers a range of entertainment options such as art galleries, parks, museums, and a vibrant food scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city's extensive trail system and nearby water activities. - Climate
Des Moines has four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for both extremes of weather, including snowfall in winter. - Races and Population
Des Moines has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities. It's a welcoming environment for individuals from various cultural backgrounds. - Education
Des Moines is home to several universities, colleges, and renowned educational institutions, providing opportunities for continued learning and academic growth. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas, making it an affordable place to reside during your residency program. - Proximity to Bigger Cities
Des Moines is centrally located in Iowa. Nearby bigger cities include Cedar Rapids (about 2 hours' drive), Omaha (about 2.5 hours' drive), and Kansas City (about 3.5 hours' drive). - Pros
Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural opportunities, and a range of outdoor activities. - Cons
Seasonal weather extremes may not be suitable for everyone, and certain neighborhoods may require closer scrutiny for safety concerns.
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