Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Akron General Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General is designed to provide residents with the clinical, academic, and research training needed to excel in emergency medicine. Established over fifty years ago, the program is the oldest community-based emergency medicine residency in the country and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for 11 residents annually. It offers a diverse and comprehensive educational experience, training residents to serve effectively in various facets of emergency medicine.

Curriculum Overview1:

The curriculum is structured across three years, guiding residents through essential rotations and experiences. The first-year residents undergo a robust orientation followed by foundational rotations in areas like emergency medicine, pediatrics, medical ICU, and others. A progressively intense clinical immersion during the second and third years enables residents to handle complex patient scenarios and develop specialized skills in areas such as trauma care, pediatric emergency medicine, and ultrasound.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure1:

The residency program offers rotations at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, two freestanding Emergency Departments, MetroHealth, and Akron Children’s Hospital. The main Emergency Department, recently tripled in size as part of a $49.3 million investment, flies the banner of a Level I Trauma Center, providing a diverse patient volume that exceeds 100,000 visits per year.

Residents also have opportunities to engage in specialized rotations such as EMS, orthopedics, ultrasound, and neurology, along with intensive pediatric experience through dedicated pediatric emergency rotations.

Research and Academic Opportunities1:

The program emphasizes scholarship and research, encouraging residents to engage actively in clinical studies, publish findings, and present at national conferences. Mentorship from a diverse faculty fosters research pursuits, with avenues for publishing case reports and participating in studies within recognized emergency medicine journals.

Unique Aspects of the Program1:

Cleveland Clinic Akron General stands out with its commitment to a supportive and inclusive environment. The program offers full Cleveland Clinic benefits, providing access to wellness and fitness centers, maternity/paternity leave, and an engaging learning atmosphere that prioritizes resident well-being. The residency also boasts a unique community focus, with numerous areas for residents to participate in local events and activities, enriching their personal and professional lives.

Application Process and Requirements1:

The application for the Emergency Medicine Residency must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Essential qualifications include passing USMLE or COMLEX scores on the first attempt and providing three letters of recommendation (including at least one from an emergency medicine physician for competitive ranking). The program is friendly to both DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs), offering sponsorship for H1-B and J-1 visas, although preference is given to applicants within five years of graduation.

A prospective applicant should note that the program emphasizes high-level academic achievement, and average USMLE scores play a vital role in the selection process, especially for positions that may become available.

Resident Life and Well-Being1:

The residency fosters a culture where academic achievement is balanced with personal well-being. Initiatives like monthly wellness conferences and community building events aim to ensure that residents have both the support and engagement necessary to thrive throughout their training.