East Tennessee State University/Quillen College of Medicine Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Quillen College of Medicine is dedicated to the education of future physicians, with a strong emphasis on primary care and subspecialty practice, particularly in underserved rural communities. This program aims to produce competent internists well-versed in evidence-based research and equipped as educators in internal medicine and the community at large 1.

Curriculum Overview

This three-year residency program consists of a well-rounded curriculum featuring both inpatient and outpatient clinical experiences. It is designed to prepare residents for various career paths in internal medicine, whether they intend to become primary care clinicians, hospitalists, or pursue further specialization through fellowship training. The resident schedule is structured with significant exposure to both general internal medicine wards and specialized rotations spread across various hospitals associated with the program 5.

PGY-I Year

Interns participate in rotations primarily at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Johnson City Medical Center, and Holston Valley Medical Center. The PGY-I year is critical for developing foundational clinical skills and establishing work habits. In this year, residents are responsible for patient care in an academic environment while working closely with attending faculty, second and third-year residents, and medical students 7.

PGY-II and PGY-III Years

As residents progress, they assume greater responsibilities in complex patient evaluations and supervision of junior residents, including interaction with faculty from various medical disciplines. The continuity clinic experience developed throughout the residency allows the building of long-term patient relationships, fostering a continuous care model 7.

Rotations and Training Sites

The residency's collaboration between four key hospitals enriches the training experience. The sites include:

• Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC): A 500-bed facility with private rooms, a well-equipped ICU, and specialty services catering to a diverse patient demographic.
• James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC): This facility provides comprehensive services with extensive inpatient care and specialized rotations.
• Holston Valley Medical Center (HVMC): With permanent ETSU faculty, this center offers both outpatient and inpatient experiences, including electives and emergency room rotations.
• Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC): This site allows residents to work within a smaller community setting, enhancing their exposure to critical care and specialized patient management.

Residents experience a wide socioeconomic spectrum, which significantly aids in developing a well-rounded clinical perspective essential for independent practice in internal medicine 4.

Research and Scholarly Activity

In line with the commitment to academic development, residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities. The program emphasizes the importance of quality improvement initiatives, wherein residents continuously assess and improve their clinical practices based on patient care metrics and outcomes 1.

Application Requirements

The application process for the residency program is strictly managed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates must comply with specific criteria, including:

• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility for a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Passing scores on USMLE Step 2 CK or COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE for residency applications, and USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX-USA Level 3 for fellowship applications.
• Recent graduation from a qualifying medical school (within the last two years) or proof of active clinical practice.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from an Internal Medicine physician, as well as a personal statement detailing the candidate’s interest in internal medicine 2.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, specifically sponsoring the J-1 visa for eligible candidates. Documentation and specific information pertaining to visa requirements must be included in the application process for visa sponsorship 2.

Residency Community and Support

The ETSU Internal Medicine Residency Program fosters a supportive community aimed at enhancing resident wellness and professional relationships. Weekly academic sessions, known as the Academic Half Day, offer protected time to focus on diverse medical topics essential for board preparation, while promoting collaboration among residents and faculty 1.

Overall, the program is well-suited for candidates who are passionate about internal medicine and preparing to contribute positively to medical practice, particularly in rural health settings. The emphasis on personalized education and robust clinical exposure positions graduates effectively for their future endeavors, whether in primary care or subspecialty fields.