College Medical Center Program

The College Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program provides a distinctive training atmosphere for residents, emphasizing progressive autonomy within a robust clinical education structure. Located in the vibrant heart of Long Beach, California, this ACGME-accredited program is affiliated with notable institutions such as the University of Southern California (USC) and the Norris Cancer Hospital. The program is designed not just to train competent internists, but to also prepare graduates for successful careers in both inpatient and outpatient realms, alongside opportunities for specialized fellowships including Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Nephrology, and more.

Currently, the program accommodates 15 residents annually and will accept 5 new PGY-1 residents for the academic year of 2023-2024. As part of its commitment to educational excellence, College Medical Center incorporates a variety of clinical experiences across its associated training sites, which help foster a comprehensive understanding of internal medicine.

Training Environment

The internal medicine training at College Medical Center includes both community-based and large academic clinical experiences, enhancing the knowledge base and experience of the residents. Residents gain firsthand experience in critical care, cardiology, and a multitude of other subspecialties while attending two months of outpatient clinic activities each year. Special emphasis is placed on preventive care and chronic illness management.

Application Process

Applying to the residency program is facilitated through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific application requirements include the following:

• Dean’s letter or MSPE
• Three letters of recommendation (one should be from a department chair)
• Medical school transcript
• First-time passage of USMLE Step I and II or COMLEX Level I and II
• ECFMG Certification (if applicable)
• At least one year of clinical service in a U.S. hospital is highly recommended
• Graduation from medical school must be within two years of application

As of now, the program does not provide visa sponsorship.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum encompasses an extensive array of rotations across various specialties, ensuring residents receive sufficient exposure to the broad spectrum of internal medicine. Residents have access to esteemed teaching faculty and resources from USC College of Medicine, further reinforcing the educational experience. Below is a brief overview of the block schedule for the three years of residency:

First Year

• General Inpatient Medicine - 4 months
• Medical Intensive Care Unit - 6 weeks
• Cardiology - 1 month
• Clinic - 2 months

Second Year

• General Inpatient Medicine - 4 months
• Medical Intensive Care Unit - 2 months
• Hematology/Oncology - 1 month
• Infectious Disease - 2 weeks
• Clinic - 2 months

Third Year

• General Inpatient Medicine - 4 months
• Medical Intensive Care Unit - 1 month
• Geriatrics - 1 month
• Rheumatology - 1 month
• Clinic - 2 months

Residents are actively involved in clinical documentation improvement processes as part of their training, further preparing them for their future careers.

Compensation and Benefits

Residents at College Medical Center are compensated competitively with an annual salary structure that increases with each year of training:

• PGY-1: $66,560
• PGY-2: $68,640
• PGY-3: $70,720

In addition to salary, the program offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and an array of educational reimbursements for continuing medical education (CME) activities.

Research Opportunities

Participation in research is mandatory for residents each academic year, with goals to present findings at both regional and national conferences. The program is structured to support residents in completing research projects successfully, facilitated by the Director of Research.

Uniqueness of the Program

The College Medical Center emphasizes a community-based care approach, allowing residents to serve diverse patient populations effectively. The smaller size of the residency program fosters close mentorship and individualized attention from faculty, thereby creating a supportive learning environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Competitiveness

The program is considered to be competitive. While it does not currently sponsor visa candidates, it is friendly towards DO graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), actively encouraging strong applications from various backgrounds.

Didactics and Skills Training

Didactics play a crucial role within the residency, with protected time allocated for various learning sessions, including lectures, grand rounds, and procedural skills training. Residents have opportunities to become proficient in essential procedures, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.