East Alabama Medical Center Program

The East Alabama Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program, based in Opelika & Auburn, Alabama, emphasizes both the provision of comprehensive clinical experiences and the development of leadership skills vital in team-based healthcare delivery. The program operates within a 314-bed acute-care hospital, with the emergency department handling more than 80,000 patients annually across several locations, including near the Auburn University campus. It takes pride in serving a broad demographic across nine counties, which ensures residents gain a diverse range of clinical experiences in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Application Requirements: Prospective applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by October 31, 2023. The required documentation includes a Curriculum Vitae, personal statement of professional goals, Dean's letter, official final transcripts (with translations if applicable), test transcripts for USMLE/COMLEX, a valid ECFMG certificate for international graduates, and three original letters of recommendation. The program also reviews supplemental ERAS applications, which is an optional part of the application process but can provide additional insight into an applicant’s preferences and experiences. Notably, the program does not support J1 VISA applications for residents in graduate medical education. Minimum test score requirements are specified as USMLE Step 1: 200, USMLE Step 2: 210, COMLEX Level 1: 440, and COMLEX Level 2: 440.

Program Curriculum: The curriculum is structured around general internal medicine months, required selectives, and electives, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Residents are required to undergo rotations in ambulatory medicine and critical care each year, with selectives across seven core internal medicine subspecialties and additional areas such as radiology, geriatrics, neurology, emergency medicine, and quality improvement. The program offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments in the rotation schedule based on individual career goals. Electives may include fields like sleep medicine, outpatient psychiatry, women’s health and gynecology, sports medicine, and palliative care. Residents should expect to work some nights and weekends, especially during their general IM and emergency medicine rotations.

Benefits and Salary: Highlights of the program’s benefits include vacation days that increase with progression through the program, FMLA coverage, parental leave, dental and insurance programs, a comprehensive medical care plan, various life insurance options, reimbursement accounts, and reimbursement for initial licensures and CME credits. Salaries start at $60,000 for PGY-1, increasing in subsequent years, with an additional orientation stipend for the first year.

Additional Opportunities: The program offers audition rotations with a set schedule, aiming to provide firsthand experience and interaction within the program’s clinical and educational environment. Required documents for audition rotation applications include a letter of good standing from the medical school, identification, malpractice insurance proof, a rotation evaluation form, test scores, medical insurance proof, and immunization records.

The East Alabama Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program is committed to creating excellent internal medicine physicians who are well-prepared to serve their communities. It combines traditional teaching methods with modern technology and offers a supportive environment with a focus on lifelong learning and improvement.