Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Florida Weston Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston is dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities within a supportive, challenging environment. This program offers a total of 47 residents, comprising 13 categorical and 8 preliminary positions, with a strong focus on the diverse population it serves, including patients from central and south Florida, South America, and the Caribbean. The Cleveland Clinic’s broader mission is to be the best place to receive care, and this extends to graduate medical education.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is structured to facilitate comprehensive patient care experiences, with residents rotating through various modules lasting 2 to 4 weeks across a 6+2 block schedule. This includes a +2 ambulatory block for continuity clinic experiences where residents develop their patient panels from their intern year through to the completion of residency. This long-term patient interaction helps residents understand and manage healthcare issues in an ambulatory setting effectively.

Residents participate in a wide range of core rotations which encompass all facets of internal medicine. Selective and elective rotations are available in key areas such as cardiology, nephrology, infectious disease, and oncology, allowing residents to tailor their training according to individual interests and career goals.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Cleveland Clinic Florida emphasizes research as an integral part of the residency experience. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, culminating in required presentations, including Medical Grand Rounds or participation in Research Week. The faculty provides mentorship through various research conferences and supports individual research initiatives, offering a rich environment for developing research skills.

Didactic Curriculum

The program maintains a robust didactic curriculum to enhance clinical learning. This includes daily noon conferences that cover a multitude of topics, grand rounds held weekly, and a simulation curriculum at the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Simulation Center. Through case presentations and active participation in teaching rounds, residents are exposed to advanced patient care techniques and the latest medical knowledge. Special sessions on procedural skills and point-of-care ultrasound further enhance this educational experience.

Call Schedule and Resident Wellbeing

The residency utilizes a night float system to manage inpatient services, ensuring residents have at least one day off each week on average. The training program places a strong emphasis on resident wellness, offering numerous support activities, including yoga sessions, team-building events, and monthly house-staff meetings aimed at fostering a collegial environment.

Application Process

Applicants to the Internal Medicine Residency Program should apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Strong applications are encouraged from candidates with USMLE scores of 220 and higher or COMLEX scores of 550 and above. For International Medical Graduates (IMG), specific criteria include at least six months of hands-on clinical experience in a US or Canadian hospital and a recent graduation date from medical school.

The program offers visa support for matched candidates, including sponsorship of H1-B visas for those who require it.

Competitiveness

The residency program is highly competitive, welcoming candidates from both US Allopathic and Osteopathic backgrounds, as well as International Medical Graduates. Flawless performance in USMLE exams is critical, as the program prefers candidates who have passed all requisite exams on their first attempt.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Distinct for its collaborative service model, residents are not merely followers but integral, active participants in clinical decision-making. Emphasis on teamwork is fundamental, supported by a commitment to learner development, mentoring, and a patient-centered care approach that defines the Cleveland Clinic ethos.