Christiana Care Health Services Program

Christiana Care Health Services offers a robust Emergency Medicine Residency Program located in Newark, Delaware. The program is distinguished by its extensive clinical exposure and the high volume of emergency visits, being recognized as one of America's largest, non-sectarian, not-for-profit health care systems. Notably, it ranks 15th nationally and 9th on the East Coast for emergency visits, with a total of 210,640 emergency visits in FY 2020 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Christiana Care’s Emergency Medicine Residency is comprehensive and designed to provide an unparalleled clinical learning experience. The residents are exposed to a wide array of pathologies while receiving mentorship from nationally recognized faculty 5. The program includes a several-week-long intern orientation where incoming residents gain their certifications in ACLS, ATLS, and PALS, while also participating in high-yield educational content reviews.

The clinical schedule operates on a 13 four-week block system, with intern year primarily spent rotating through the emergency department, ICUs, and core emergency medicine skills like anesthesia, obstetrics, and trauma surgery 6. As residents progress, they engage in increasing levels of critical care and elective experiences, further enhancing their educational journey.

Training Facilities

Residents train at several distinguished facilities. Christiana Hospital, with 906 beds, serves as Delaware's only Level I trauma center and offers comprehensive care for both adults and children. Other training sites include Wilmington Hospital and the Middletown Emergency Department, each providing unique clinical experiences 9. Additionally, the state-of-the-art Virtual Education and Simulation Training Center allows residents to engage in immersive training scenarios, ensuring high-quality patient care 14.

Research Opportunities

Research holds significant importance in the residency, with all residents required to complete a scholarly project that is often presented at national conferences. The program emphasizes collaboration with ChristianaCare’s Value Institute and provides residents with dedicated research mentors from day one. Supported by full-time emergency medicine research nurses, residents can access resources for developing their projects and achieving success 13.

Mentorship and Teaching

Mentorship is a fundamental aspect of the residency program. Senior residents are designated as teaching residents, providing guidance to junior residents and medical students. The program fosters a culture of coaching, encouraging ongoing feedback and collaboration among residents and faculty 3. Additionally, regular educational conferences enhance learning through varied modalities like clinical case discussions and simulation sessions.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The residency program offers 12 categorical EM positions and requires applicants to submit applications through ERAS. Essential documentation includes three letters of recommendation, preferably two from emergency medicine practice settings. Notably, due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on securing EM rotations, some application requirements are waived 7. A valid ECFMG certification is required for international medical graduates to be considered for interviews.

Visa Support

Christiana Care participates in visa sponsorship, specifically supporting J-1 visas for international medical graduates. The program's commitment to fostering a diverse physician workforce plays an essential role in their acceptance of candidates from various international backgrounds.

Living in Delaware

Delaware provides a rich cultural environment, with easy access to the Delaware beaches, 16 state parks, and tax-free shopping opportunities 1. The diverse community, combined with numerous festivals and recreational activities, makes it a vibrant place to both live and train professionally.

Overall, Christiana Care's Emergency Medicine Residency Program represents an exceptional training opportunity for medical graduates committed to providing outstanding emergency care while also engaging in significant educational and research activities.