Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program aims to offer individualized training to foster the development of residents in a compassionate and diverse environment. The program provides a rigorous and modern curriculum balanced with hands-on clinical experiences and opportunities for scholarly activity. As New Hampshire's only Level 1 Trauma Center, residents benefit from an extensive referral base and high patient acuity, with a case mix ranking in the top 5% nationally.

Residents engage in a well-rounded educational experience that includes various clinical rotations across multiple training sites. These include emergency care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center’s Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, pediatric emergency medicine at The Elliot Hospital, and rural emergency training at Cheshire Medical Center and critical access facilities. This broad exposure prepares residents for diverse scenarios, encompassing everything from urban emergencies to specialized tertiary care.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses an intense Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) program, alongside Wilderness and Austere Medicine training, thereby equipping residents with essential skills necessary for all realms of emergency medicine. The program is also noteworthy for its commitment to innovation, with resident feedback leading to significant enhancements in the curriculum and training approach. The faculty, knowledgeable in various specializations—such as geriatric care, international emergency medicine, and telemedicine—are dedicated to personalized teaching and mentorship.

Specialized Training Tracks

Within the residency, residents can choose from specialized tracks such as Emergency Medicine/Critical Care Medicine, HEMS/Critical Care Transport, Wilderness/Austere Medicine, Emergency Ultrasound, and Global Emergency Medicine. Each track is designed to align with the resident's career aspirations and includes dedicated elective time, opportunities for scholarly projects, and mentorship from subspecialty faculty. The track selection is encouraged during the PGY-1 year, reinforcing a focus on career development from the onset of training.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are engaged in research and quality improvement projects tailored to their chosen track. The faculty support residents in pursuing presentations at national conferences and publications, underscoring the program's emphasis on scholarly activity alongside clinical training. This dual focus positions graduates to excel in both academic and community emergency medicine environments.

Competitive Nature and Application Requirements

The residency program is competitive, welcoming applications from graduates of US and international medical schools. Applicants are required to have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 examinations. Additionally, the application process mandates a minimum of two Standard Letters of Evaluation (SLOEs) from emergency medicine faculty, ensuring a thorough selection process that assesses both academic and clinical competencies.

Living in New Hampshire

The residency is situated in Lebanon, New Hampshire, a region known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and water sports. The area offers affordable housing options, with both rental and home-buying opportunities in close proximity to the medical center. Residents can enjoy cultural and community events that enrich their living experience and foster camaraderie among peers.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The program is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. This mission underlines the belief that a diverse team translates into better patient care. A diversity scholarship is available to medical students traditionally underrepresented in the field of emergency medicine, enhancing the program's commitment to equity and inclusion throughout medical practice.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants and offers assistance with visa sponsorship including the J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating non-US citizen applicants pursuing a residency position at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

Quality of Life

Residents report a positive work-life balance, with supportive faculty and a community-oriented atmosphere that prioritizes well-being alongside rigorous training. Educational opportunities extend beyond clinical duties, with events aimed at team bonding and professional development designed to create a collegial environment.