Cooper Medical School of Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and Cooper University Hospital is a comprehensive three-year program. It provides residents with a dynamic and innovative educational environment, filled with high-energy individuals, catering to a broad range of academic interests and a strong sense of community. The residency program is bolstered by a robust curriculum and clinical supervision provided by over 50 board-certified emergency medicine faculty, ensuring that residents acquire the necessary skills and foundational knowledge needed for a successful career in emergency medicine.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum encompasses a blend of clinical experiences and didactic education, designed to help residents progressively develop essential educational, leadership, and administrative skills. At Cooper, residents learn to recognize and respond effectively to acutely ill and injured patients while honing their clinical judgment and technical skills through close faculty mentorship.

Clinical Rotations

The residency involves extensive clinical rotations in various settings, including a high-acuity Emergency Department (ED) that serves approximately 84,000 patients a year, with a significant proportion of high-acuity admissions. The department features a 42-bed state-of-the-art facility and operates as a Level 1 Trauma Center, overseeing more than 2,200 trauma visits annually. Residents also gain experience at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, providing an effective complement to their training.

In addition to clinical practice, Cooper's EM residency emphasizes pediatric emergency medicine training. The program includes dedicated rotations in the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) and Pediatric ICU, allowing residents to develop skills in assessing and treating pediatric patients across various scenarios.

EMS and Disaster Medicine

A unique aspect of Cooper's training is its focus on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Disaster Medicine. The program includes opportunities to provide medical command to EMS ground and air crews, engage in disaster response collaborations, and learn about the physician's role in large-scale emergencies. Residents participate in training for mass casualty incidents and collaborate with EMS experts, enhancing their preparedness for real-world scenarios.

Ultrasound and Critical Care Integration

Residents at Cooper receive comprehensive training in emergency ultrasound, engaging in hands-on practice that begins upon entry into the program. This ultrasound training is complemented by a focus on critical care medicine, with rotations in trauma and medical ICUs, enabling residents to build confidence and competence in managing critically ill patients.

Research Opportunities

The residency program encourages active participation in clinical research. Residents collaborate with faculty on various research projects that span clinical and non-clinical topics, while also having access to full-time research coordinators. Core research areas include septic shock, substance use disorders, and trauma-related investigations. Residents are supported in presenting their findings at national conferences.

Benefits and Support

The program offers a competitive salary structure along with additional benefits that include a comprehensive health insurance package, a stipend for continuing medical education, and reimbursement for USMLE/COMLEX Step 3 fees. A meal stipend is also provided, and resident wellness is prioritized through several initiatives.

Visa Sponsorship

The residency program accommodates international medical graduates by sponsoring J-1 visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from around the world are able to apply and thrive within the residency program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Cooper EM residency is known for its competitive selection process. Applicants are typically required to have completed USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2, alongside a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, and clinical performance evaluations. The program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and actively participates in initiatives to support underrepresented medical students.

Graduates must demonstrate commitment to the field and adhere to the program's mission of serving diverse patient populations in need of emergency care. A solid understanding of and experience in emergency medicine is essential for applicants, with special emphasis placed on interpersonal skills and cultural competence.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Cooper emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential components of its educational approach. Through the initiative, DARI (Diversity Anti-Racism Initiative), the residency aims to cultivate an inclusive environment for both colleagues and patients. This commitment to diversity is supported by various educational opportunities that enhance cultural awareness and competency in patient care.

Overall, Cooper's Emergency Medicine Residency presents a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that prepares residents for their roles as competent and compassionate emergency physicians. With a rich array of resources, mentoring, and clinical exposure, residents embark on a transformative journey in emergency medicine, enriched by leading-edge educational experiences and professional development opportunities throughout their training.