Residency Advisor

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at East Alabama Health is designed to cultivate exceptional clinicians within a supportive and comprehensive environment. The program is hosted in a 314-bed acute-care hospital that accommodates over 16,000 inpatient admissions annually, reinforced by an Emergency Department that serves more than 80,000 patients each year across multiple facilities including East Alabama Medical Center and EAMC-Lanier. The program is strategically located to extend its services to a diverse population across nine counties, providing residents with expansive clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which is critical for developing well-rounded medical professionals 1.

This residency program emphasizes not only clinical experience but also the enhancement of leadership skills, which are paramount in the collaborative setting of modern health care delivery 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Internal Medicine Residency is structured to include various rotations, including core internal medicine months, required selectives, and electives. Every resident is required to complete an ambulatory medicine rotation and a critical care rotation. Selectives encompass key internal medicine subspecialties such as nephrology, cardiology, rheumatology, hematology/oncology, infectious disease, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. Additional selectives and electives may cover areas like radiology, geriatrics, neurology, emergency medicine, and quality improvement to tailor the education to individual career goals 8.

The residency experience progresses as follows:

  • PGY-1: 6 months General Internal Medicine, 1 month Ambulatory Internal Medicine, 1 month Critical Care, and other selectives and electives.
  • PGY-2: 3 months General Internal Medicine, additional selectives, and electives.
  • PGY-3: 4 months General Internal Medicine, with further selectives and electives.

Residents should anticipate working nights and weekends during general internal medicine and emergency medicine rotations, which is integral to developing a comprehensive understanding of patient care 8.

Rotations and Audition Opportunities

The program provides audition rotations, which are scheduled throughout specific periods in the year. Interested candidates must submit specific documentation including a Letter of Good Standing from their medical school and proof of USMLE or COMLEX scores. This offers prospective residents an opportunity to engage with the program and gain exposure to its educational environment before applying officially 3.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

East Alabama Health’s Internal Medicine Residency does not support J1 visa applications for international medical graduates. Graduates from medical schools outside of the U.S. or Canada must hold a valid ECFMG certificate for eligibility. Application submissions are facilitated through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the application deadline is set for October 31, 2023. Important application components include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, dean's letter, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation 2.

Competitiveness

The program encourages applications from various backgrounds, including U.S. and international medical graduates, and establishes clear minimum score criteria for the USMLE and COMLEX examinations to maintain a competitive selection process 2.

Benefits and Salary

Residents at East Alabama Health receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes vacation days (10 days for PGY-1 and 15 days for PGY-2 and PGY-3), family medical leave, parental leave, and various insurance programs including medical and dental coverage. The compensation structure provides a salary starting at $60,000 for PGY-1, with incremental increases for subsequent years 4.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, including participation in research projects and presentations, which enhance the educational experience and contribute to professional development. The focus on evidence-based medicine is emphasized through didactic sessions and practical applications 1.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training

This residency program incorporates a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum, ensuring residents gain proficiency in ultrasound skills that are increasingly essential in internal medicine. The training includes structured didactic sessions, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to engage in advanced learning tiers for select residents 7.

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Location
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Schedule / Training

Director

Nathan T Douthit, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2023 -

Program

Program Size

10, 10, 10 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since April 2020

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

14hrs

First Year Salary:

$60,000

First Year Paid Vacation:

15 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

Unlimited days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

0.4X

Residents career path:

-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

210

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

2

Match History

2265140C0

2024

10 of 10

2023

10 of 10

2022

10 of 10

2021

10 of 10

2020

10 of 10

Location

Opelika, AL

Population
30,995
Income
$58,763
Education
33.5%
Employment
57.7%
Health
9.2%
Age
39

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Opelika, AL

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Opelika has a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. The city's law enforcement works diligently to ensure the safety of residents.
  • Fun Activities: Opelika offers a range of activities such as outdoor recreation, local events, shopping, and dining options. The city has parks and natural areas for leisure.
  • Climate: Opelika has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Residents experience all four seasons with occasional snowfall.
  • Races and Population: Opelika has a diverse population with residents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Education: The city has a few educational institutions, including public schools and colleges. Residents have access to quality education options.
  • Cost of Living: Opelika has an affordable cost of living compared to many cities in the United States. Housing costs and everyday expenses are moderate.
  • Neighboring Cities: Opelika is close to larger cities like Montgomery and Birmingham. Driving to Montgomery takes about 1.5 hours, while Birmingham is approximately 2.5 hours away. Both cities offer more extensive amenities, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
  • Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, access to nature, proximity to larger cities.
  • Cons: Limited entertainment options, moderate crime rate.

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