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 structured as a three-year program designed to cultivate proficient emergency medicine physicians. This program is distinguished by its dynamic atmosphere, collegial support, and a commitment to hands-on learning facilitated by its extensive faculty and diverse clinical experiences.

Curriculum and Training

Cooper's residency program incorporates an established curriculum that evolves with the progression of residents through various levels of training. Each year features clearly defined educational objectives that help residents progressively assume greater responsibilities.1 Initial training begins with foundational rotations across essential areas of emergency medicine, critical care, anesthesiology, and pediatrics. The program emphasizes the acquisition of clinical skills necessary for recognizing and managing acute medical conditions in diverse populations.1

Rotations

During the second and third years, residents gain further exposure to emergency medicine through dedicated rotations in high-acuity settings such as Cooper’s Emergency Department in Camden, which sees approximately 84,000 patients annually, including a significant portion of pediatric cases.1 Cooper also boasts a collaborative relationship with Virtua Memorial Mount Holly Hospital, benefiting from the complementary training experiences offered there.1

Unique Training Opportunities

Cooper residents benefit from advanced training in multiple fields intertwined with emergency medicine. The program provides specialized experiences in EMS and disaster medicine, where residents engage in practical training such as providing medical command to ground and flight crews.1 Additionally, training in bedside ultrasound is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring all residents become proficient in ultrasound applications critical for emergency medicine.1

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a core component of the residency at Cooper, encouraging residents to engage in projects that span clinical and translational medicine. Faculty-mentored research opportunities are available, covering areas such as septic shock, addiction medicine, and geriatric medicine.1 Residents have the opportunity to present findings at national conferences, further enhancing their academic profiles.1

Competitive Edge and Applications

The Cooper EM residency program is considered highly competitive and welcomes applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Applicants must possess a strong academic record, including USMLE or COMLEX exam scores, and should submit their applications via ERAS.9 Specific application requirements for Cooper include USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 scores, as well as two Standard Letters of Evaluation (SLOEs), with interviews arranged on a rolling basis.9

Visa Support

Cooper University Hospital offers visa sponsorship, specifically providing support for J-1 visas for international medical graduates seeking to participate in the residency program. This support helps facilitate a diverse learning environment by attracting highly qualified international candidates.9

Benefits

Residents at Cooper enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, health and dental insurance, educational stipends for conferences and materials, and reimbursement for licensing fees.7 Moreover, each resident receives generous funding for continuing medical education, and there are weekly salary adjustments throughout the residency duration.6

Diversity and Community Engagement

Cooper's Emergency Medicine Program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively recruiting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and fostering a culture of inclusivity. A dedicated diversity initiative aims to address race and health disparities within the Camden community, enhancing both resident education and patient care practices.8

Community and Patient Care

As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Cooper serves a broad patient population within Camden and the surrounding areas. The emergency department encounters varied and complex cases reflective of both urban and suburban needs, incorporating educational experiences related to cultural competency and comprehensive patient care.1

Fellowship Opportunities

Graduates of the residency program often pursue competitive fellowship positions within specialized areas of emergency medicine, such as critical care, medical education, and ultrasound, further bolstering their careers in clinical and academic settings.1