Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Program

The Detroit Medical Center / Wayne State University Med-Peds Program offers a robust residency experience in a vibrant urban setting. The program is designed to cultivate comprehensive primary care physicians who are well-equipped for the challenges of the medical field while also providing an opportunity for subspecialty fellowship pursuits.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded training experience, blending both pediatric and internal medicine specialties. Interns will participate in a structured intern year consisting of 16 blocks – 8 blocks in Pediatrics and 8 blocks in Internal Medicine, allowing for diverse clinical exposure. Each block lasts four weeks, with residents taking two blocks each during their third and fourth years dedicated to board study and specialized clinical experiences.

The Med-Peds residents are integrated into the categorical departments of both medicine and pediatrics, with several faculty members trained in both disciplines. The program emphasizes working with a diverse population, including urban and underserved communities, and offers flexible scheduling for rotations tailored to residents' interests such as global health and transitional medicine. A unique aspect of the training includes participation in a dedicated Med-Peds conference held every Tuesday and Thursday, ensuring a collaborative learning environment.

As part of their ambulatory training, residents work weekly in dedicated Med-Peds clinics, focusing on primary care and preventive medicine. During the third and fourth years, they will take on supervisory roles within the clinics, which include quality improvement projects and teaching responsibilities for medical students and first-year residents.

Application Process

The program maintains a holistic approach in its applicant review process, requiring applicants to submit three letters of recommendation, although up to four may be submitted. There are no minimum score requirements for USMLE or COMLEX exams, with the program looking for overall improvement and commitment to Med-Peds in applicants' backgrounds. Specifically, IMG applicants must have an ECFMG certificate to qualify for interviews.

For international candidates, the program sponsors J-1 visas only, which allows for exchange visitors from abroad to participate in the training program. The program encourages applicants who have graduated from medical school within the last three years, ensuring a recent educational background.

Diversity and Community Integration

The Med-Peds program is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting cross-cultural understanding among its residents and faculty. The program has a mission focused on social determinants of health and seeks to empower its trainees to navigate and effect change within the healthcare system, thereby promoting health equity in the communities served. Through community involvement, residents engage with diverse populations, which enriches their learning experience and prepares them for future roles in medicine.

Training Sites

The training sites for the program include five hospitals centrally located in Detroit, offering residents exposure to Level 1 trauma centers in both Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. The Children's Hospital of Michigan and Detroit Receiving Hospital serve as key training environments, where residents can care for patients facing complex medical challenges.

Living in Detroit

Detroit offers a dynamic cultural environment, characterized by a rich history and an exciting urban resurgence. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent dining options, and recreational activities such as sports events and outdoor parks. The DMC/WSU Med-Peds residents often partake in community events and recreational activities, reinforcing a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the cohort.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The DMC/WSU Med-Peds Program is known for being competitive but remains inclusive, particularly welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Its holistic review process ensures that candidates who exhibit a strong commitment to the field and to the program's mission are prioritized. The emphasis on improving health outcomes for marginalized groups further underscores the program's dedication to social justice in medical practice.