Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Program

Overview of the Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is designed to train residents to become competent emergency medicine specialists through a hands-on, innovative curriculum. Established in 2017, the program has earned ACGME approval and continued accreditation, providing a structured educational environment for aspiring emergency medicine physicians.

Residents engage in various educational experiences that include clinical rotations at major hospitals in the Boynton Beach area. The training emphasizes not only clinical skills but also research and wellness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to resident education and training.

Curriculum and Didactics

The curriculum of the emergency medicine residency focuses on academic training and a diverse range of experiences. Significant components of the program include:

• Conferences: Residents benefit from protected time during conferences that encompass small group discussions, hands-on practical sessions, and guest lectures featuring nationally renowned speakers in the field of emergency medicine.
• Simulation Training: A dedicated conference day each month is wholly devoted to simulation training, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and high-fidelity mannequins to replicate real-life scenarios.
• Ultrasound Training: The program includes monthly ultrasound sessions where residents learn practical skills in emergency ultrasound.

The integration of a longitudinal wellness and quality improvement curriculum further enhances the educational experience, preparing residents for the multifaceted challenges they will face in emergency medicine.

Rotations

The residency includes 12 blocks per year, with rotations covering critical areas in emergency medicine:

• PGY-1 Rotations: Includes emergency medicine, pediatrics, trauma response, and various critical care rotations to establish foundational competencies.
• PGY-2 and PGY-3 Rotations: Emphasis on increased responsibility in patient management and trauma team leadership, providing residents with opportunities to lead trauma cases and manage critically ill patients.

Residents rotate through three primary teaching hospitals: Bethesda Hospital East, Delray Medical Center, and St. Mary's Medical Center, ensuring exposure to diverse clinical experiences and varying patient populations.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to be active participants in research, mandating completion of one scholarly project during their training. Faculty mentors are assigned to guide residents through the research process, culminating in presentations at the annual resident research conference.

Salary and Benefits

FAU provides a competitive salary structure with additional benefits, including:

• Postgraduate Year 1 salary: $58,671
• Educational stipend: $1,200 per year
• Meal credits, training licensure support, life and malpractice insurance coverage, and yearly conference attendance.
• Free onsite parking, iPhones, and professional subscriptions pertinent to the field of emergency medicine.

These benefits contribute to a supportive environment focused on both professional and personal well-being.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program supports visa applications for foreign medical graduates, offering sponsorship for H-1B and J-1 visas, facilitating entry for qualified international applicants into the residency.

Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a completed application through ERAS with a personal statement, letters of recommendation—preferably including Emergency Medicine Letters of Support (EM SLOEs)—and passing scores on the USMLE or COMLEX for Step 1 and Step 2, completed prior to submission of the rank list. There are no maximum limits on prior failed exams; however, a strong academic track record is strongly preferred.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

This program is known for being generally competitive, with a selection process favoring bright candidates who demonstrate a robust commitment to the specialty. The residency is considered DO-friendly and encourages applications from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as well, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity in its cohort.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The FAU Emergency Medicine Residency differentiates itself with unique features such as:

• Family Atmosphere: Maintaining a close-knit community among residents and faculty, promoting mentorship and lifelong professional relationships that extend beyond residency.
• Diverse Clinical Experience: Rotations in varied clinical settings allow for exposure to a wide range of emergency scenarios and pathologies.
• Focus on Wellness: The program emphasizes resident wellness through various initiatives, ensuring residents maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The structural emphasis on both educational and personal development makes the FAU Emergency Medicine Residency an attractive option for medical graduates seeking a challenging yet supportive educational pathway.