Flushing Hospital Medical Center Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is designed to provide residents with comprehensive training in a nurturing environment. This program prepares residents for independent practice and/or fellowship training within the internal medicine specialty.

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and currently accommodates 60 residents, comprising 49 categorical and 11 preliminary year residents. It aims to provide high-quality care in a culturally competent and diverse setting. Residents attain a depth of clinical skills through a structured curriculum that involves progressive responsibility and supervision, ultimately leading to autonomy in patient care.

Curriculum Structure

Training Rotations

The residency curriculum is structured over three years (PGY1, PGY2, and PGY3), covering essential internal medicine aspects:

• PGY1: General Medicine (20-24 weeks), Geriatric Medicine (4 weeks), Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) (8 weeks), Coronary Care Unit (4 weeks), Ambulatory Care (4-8 weeks), Night Float (4 weeks), and Vacation (4 weeks).
• PGY2: General Medicine (14 weeks), MICU (4 weeks), Coronary Care Unit (2-4 weeks), Subspecialties (10-12 weeks), Ambulatory (8-10 weeks), Night Float (8 weeks), and Vacation (4 weeks).
• PGY3: General Medicine (12 weeks), Geriatric Medicine (2-4 weeks), MICU (4 weeks), Emergency Medicine (4 weeks), Subspecialties/Consultation (12-14 weeks), Ambulatory (8 weeks), Night Float (4 weeks), and Vacation (4 weeks).

Resident Evaluation

Residents undergo continuous evaluation throughout their training. Evaluations are based on six core competencies: medical knowledge, patient care, professionalism, communication skills, practice-based learning, and systems-based learning. A web-based system allows attendings to assess trainees post each rotation, and residents also offer peer evaluations. Additionally, monthly board review sessions aim to enhance performance on the Internal Medicine Board examination.

Fellowship Opportunities

Upon completion of the residency, graduates are anticipated to pursue further fellowship training or enter direct medical practice. The program nurtures scholarly activities and fosters clinical excellence, aligning with the mission to fulfill the diverse healthcare needs of the community.

Application Process

Applications for the residency are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) with a deadline of December 31. Candidates are preferred to have graduated from medical school within the past five years and should ideally have first-attempt scores above a certain threshold on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (minimum 240) or COMLEX scores (Level 2 above 495). The selection also favors international graduates who have experience in U.S. clinical settings.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must meet several criteria, including:

• Three letters of recommendation.
• Applicants must demonstrate US clinical experience, which is preferred but not mandatory.
• International applicants must secure ECFMG certification before starting the program.

Visa Sponsorship

The program does not sponsor any type of visa, including H1 or J1 visas. Additionally, ECFMG sponsored visas are not accepted, and all applicants must possess U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or appropriate work authorization.

Competitiveness and Applicant Preference

Flushing Hospital’s Internal Medicine Residency Program is known to be competitive, particularly for candidates who demonstrate alignment with the community hospital's goals. Utilizing signaling preferences in the application process may provide applicants with an advantage in securing an interview.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Flushing Hospital Medical Center emphasizes a supportive environment conducive to both personal and professional growth. Residents engage in various conferences, including case discussions and evidence-based medicine journal clubs, which enhance their educational experience. Throughout this training, residents actively contribute to the community by developing quality improvement initiatives that benefit patient care.