ECU Health Medical Center Program

The ECU Health Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program has a long-standing history of training highly competent emergency physicians. Established over 30 years ago, this program produces clinical and academic leaders in the field of Emergency Medicine. It offers a challenging clinical environment with a structured and comprehensive curriculum aimed at optimizing individual success throughout the residency. The program serves a large demographic, with an annual emergency department census of about 120,000 visits, catering to approximately 1.4 million individuals across 29 counties in eastern North Carolina, many of which have limited healthcare resources. This setting creates a rich learning experience for residents as they manage a diverse patient population in a busy emergency department environment.

The main Emergency Department features a total of 58 beds, supplemented by an 8-bed psychiatric observation area and a 16-bed Pediatric Emergency Department. Additionally, it is notable as one of the busiest PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) centers in the state and is the only Level I trauma center within the catchment area. Furthermore, the program is recognized as a Designated Stroke Center, contributing to its comprehensive service offerings and clinical training opportunities 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The clinical curriculum consists of 4-week block rotations with a total of thirteen blocks per year. Each clinical shift lasts for 10 hours across all three years of residency. In the Emergency Medicine rotations, first-year residents (PGY-1) complete 20 shifts, PGY-2 residents complete 19 shifts, and PGY-3 residents complete 17 shifts. The program emphasizes building a strong foundation of Emergency Medicine principles during the PGY-1 year, with residents required to participate in an introductory month focusing on fundamental skills in Emergency Medicine while acclimating to the healthcare system.

The PGY-2 year focuses on refining patient management skills, including running resuscitations and engaging in critical care rotations. Residents in this year also take on consultant roles during toxicology rotations and begin to practice EMS online medical direction. By the PGY-3 level, residents are expected to independently manage patients and are involved in educating junior residents and medical students. There are also electives available during the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years for residents to pursue independent interests or research 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the residency, as residents are encouraged to engage in projects and presentations at local, state, and national conferences. The program provides funding for educational activities related to research dissemination, thereby fostering a culture of inquiry and scientific contribution.

Unique Aspects

The program establishes a comprehensive ultrasound education curriculum that aligns with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) guidelines. Residents begin their training with a 4-week ultrasound rotation in their first year, gaining hands-on experience in various essential ultrasound applications. Advanced training and electives in POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) are also available in the later years of residency, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound proficiency in emergency care 3.

Application Process

Prospective residents must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), ensuring that all requisite documents are included, such as a Medical School Performance Evaluation, medical school transcripts, three letters of reference (one being a SLOE from an EM program), a personal statement, and USMLE or COMLEX transcripts. Specifically, allopathic candidates are required to have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK before beginning their internship. Osteopathic candidates may submit COMLEX Levels 1 and 2 instead. Interviews are conducted virtually during the interview season and are scheduled with set opportunities for a second look event that does not affect the rank list position 4.

Visa Support

The program is known for its inclusivity and support for foreign national candidates. It provides visa sponsorship for appropriate types such as J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that international medical graduates (IMGs) have the opportunity to participate in this robust training.

Competitiveness

As a highly competitive program, it welcomes applications from both US MD and DO graduates, as well as IMGs. The diversity of the applicant pool is supported through its commitment to inclusivity, making the program friendly for both DO candidates and IMGs who demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of Emergency Medicine.

Benefits

Residents are provided with a generous benefits package that includes life and disability insurance, malpractice coverage, and paid time off including sick days and vacation. Additional benefits encompass reimbursement for moving expenses, meal coverage, and a flexible benefits package for health insurance, which includes options for dental and retirement plans. The program also covers examination fees for USMLE STEP 3 or COMLEX LEVEL 3 and provides access to a vast library and educational resources 5.