Geisinger Health System (Wilkes Barre) Program

Emergency Medicine Residency at Geisinger Health System

The Emergency Medicine Residency program at Geisinger is designed to train residents to become competent and compassionate emergency physicians. Located in Wilkes Barre, this program offers a three-year (PGY1-3) comprehensive training experience that emphasizes high-quality patient care, extensive clinical exposure, and opportunities for research and leadership within the field of emergency medicine.

Program Highlights

As the 11th oldest continuously active emergency medicine residency program in the United States, Geisinger aims to cultivate practice-ready physicians who will become leaders in their communities. The program is known for its robust faculty who possess diverse skills and recognized leadership in state and national medical organizations, providing residents with a wealth of knowledge and mentorship opportunities1.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

The residency encompasses a wide range of clinical experiences, beginning with foundational training in community hospitals and advancing to quaternary care facilities. The main training site is a large regional referral center with Level I trauma services, complemented by a Level II pediatric trauma center. This setting allows residents to gain considerable experience dealing with trauma and critically ill patients. Additionally, residents engage with Geisinger Life Flight, contributing to one of the oldest and largest air critical care transport services in the nation, thereby enhancing their capabilities in emergency and prehospital critical care1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is structured to integrate clinical practice with didactic instruction, thereby ensuring residents acquire necessary competencies systematically. The program utilizes a balance of traditional lectures, simulation labs, and innovative interactive methods, such as flipped classrooms and focused review sessions. A key component is exposure to pediatric emergency medicine, critical for residents who may choose to specialize in that area. Furthermore, residents participate in flight shifts during their clinical blocks, making them effective team members in flight operations across various scenarios1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is a vital component of the Geisinger residency experience. The program promotes an environment that fosters scholarly activity through an established research framework based on Boyer’s models, which includes discovery, integration, application, and teaching. Residents are encouraged to engage in various studies, both independently and collaboratively, with opportunities to present at national conferences and get published in reputed journals. This is supported by an active Departmental Research Committee and a range of faculty mentorship options1.

Visa and Application Process

The program supports international candidates with visa sponsorship, allowing for J-1 visa sponsorship. This facilitates a diverse applicant pool, including DOs and IMGs. The competitive nature of the residency requires applicants to submit a dean's letter, medical school transcripts, a national board score, and three letters of recommendation for consideration during the application review process. It is particularly important to note that while there are no specific minimum USMLE or COMLEX score requirements, a holistic view of an applicant’s qualifications is used2.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency at Geisinger is known to be highly competitive, attracting top candidates across the country. The selection committee focuses on various factors beyond just test scores, recognizing the full spectrum of qualifications, experiences, and personal attributes that candidates bring to the program. This approach contributes to a collegial and enriching learning environment for residents from diverse backgrounds.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The integration of the Life Flight program into the residency training represents a unique aspect of this program. By including residents in lifesaving air transport operations, the residency provides priceless practical experience that enhances clinical judgment and teamwork skills. Additionally, the emergency department's involvement in innovative research further underlines the program's commitment to quality patient care and community health improvement1.

Conclusion

Overall, the Geisinger Emergency Medicine Residency stands out for its comprehensive training curriculum, wide-ranging clinical exposure, commitment to research, and supportive faculty. Residents emerge from the program not only as proficient emergency physicians but also as innovators and leaders ready to impact their patients and communities positively.