Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program

The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program in Infectious Disease is an integral part of the training offered through the Internal Medicine Residency. This residency is a three-year program accepting 15 positions per year and is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience alongside diverse clinical exposure.

Residents primarily train at Butterworth Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center boasting over 670 beds. This facility is renowned as a clinical leader in various specialties, including cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, and neurosciences. The extensive array of higher-level services offered at Corewell Health, including heart, lung, and bone marrow transplants, enhances the educational experience of residents. As a result, trainees have the opportunity to engage with complex patient populations, thus gaining invaluable experience in managing intricate medical cases 1.

The educational framework of the residency program emphasizes a framework of mentorship and camaraderie among residents and faculty members. With community attending physicians highly involved in teaching, residents benefit from close guidance and support throughout their training. This collaborative environment fosters a nonmalignant learning atmosphere, enabling residents to form strong relationships and receive meaningful feedback on their performance 1.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum includes an array of didactics and hands-on experiences. Morning reports are conducted three times a week by chief residents and faculty, focusing on clinical reasoning and decision-making in real-time cases. Formal handoffs between residents occur twice daily to ensure continuity of care and safety 1.

Teaching rounds take place daily, led by attending physicians, where residents discuss clinical cases in depth. Grand Rounds are held weekly, and several multidisciplinary conferences are conducted to enhance education around patient safety and quality improvement. A unique aspect of the curriculum includes opportunities for residents to present formal morbidity and mortality cases on a structured basis 1.

Research Opportunities

The Internal Medicine Residency program offers accessible research opportunities for residents. Faculty members are frequently involved in clinical research, providing mentorship and biostatistics support through a research activity support team. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activity during their training and can present findings at institutional research events. Many residents successfully submit their work to conferences and peer-reviewed journals 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program prides itself on being friendly to both Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMG) applicants. It typically accepts candidates who graduated medical school within the past two years, and preference is given to those who demonstrate strong performance, preferably passing on the first attempt in their licensing exams (USMLE or COMLEX) 1. International applicants must be ECFMG certified and possess valid J-1 visa eligibility support if required.

Resident Life and Community

The internal medicine residency program emphasizes the importance of community involvement and resident wellness. Events such as spring and fall retreats are organized to foster team-building and leisure among residents. Additionally, the program provides a competitive benefits package that includes educational support, salary, and family inclusivity 1.

Living in Grand Rapids, a vibrant and culturally rich city, residents can engage in numerous recreational, artistic, and culinary activities. The city is known for its outdoor activities, with access to parks, lakes, and trails enhancing work-life balance 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program have specific requirements. The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program predominantly utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates must submit three letters of recommendation:
1. One clinical letter from internal medicine faculty.
2. One summary evaluation letter from the Department of Medicine.
3. A final letter from either clinical faculty or a mentor in a scholarly project.
Preference is extended to applicants who meet a strong academic record, particularly in examinations 1.

Both DO and international applicants are welcomed, with specific considerations for performance in their examinations and the timeline since their graduation from medical school. Strong emphasis is placed on supporting resident education as a core value 1.