HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa South Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at HCA Florida Blake Hospital is designed to provide comprehensive and in-depth training for medical graduates. This ACGME-accredited program was established in July 2016 and trains residents through a robust educational framework, promoting both professional development and competency in internal medicine.

Program Structure and Rotations

The residency consists of 71 categorical positions, with 22 residents in each year of the three-year program and an additional 5 residents in the preliminary year. The primary training site is HCA Florida Blake Medical Center, a 383-bed tertiary care hospital that is recognized as a level II trauma center and a comprehensive stroke center. The medical center offers a unique opportunity to engage in diverse clinical experiences across different specialties.1

Adopting a 4+1 scheduling model, residents will alternate between four weeks of inpatient rotations and one week dedicated to continuity clinic experiences. This format ensures that residents benefit from uninterrupted outpatient clinical exposure along with significant inpatient responsibilities. Overall, residents complete an estimated 10 months of inpatient wards rotations, 4-5 months of ICU, and over 10 months in outpatient rotations throughout their training.2

Core Rotations

Some of the essential rotations include inpatient wards, cardiology, gastroenterology, and critical care. Notably, residents will gain extensive experience in specialized fields such as infectious diseases, nephrology, and geriatrics. The program emphasizes learning through a well-structured didactic curriculum that includes daily lectures, case presentations, and specialty topics.3

Educational Resources and Didactics

The program features a rigorous didactic schedule that includes various presentations and learning opportunities totaling approximately seven hours per week. This includes faculty-led lectures, EKG reviews, and MKSAP question preparation.2

Residents engage in multiple scholarly activities, such as leading morning reports and participating in morbidity and mortality conferences, which are critical for understanding patient care challenges and solutions. Additionally, residents are encouraged to conduct research and present their findings during the annual Blake Research Day. There is also dedicated support for publication and conference assistance, reinforcing the program's commitment to resident academic advancement.2

Research Opportunities

All residents are required to participate in research activities, with access to a dedicated research coordinator. Each resident is paired with a research mentor to help facilitate their scholarly projects. The program takes pride in funding travel for residents to various conferences, providing further opportunities for scholarly engagement and networking.3

Benefits and Support

Residents are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life insurance, and paid time off. Additional financial support includes a meal stipend, educational stipends for conference travel, and reimbursements for licensure exam costs. Support for board examination preparation, including complimentary access to review materials, ensures residents are well-prepared for their certification.2

Furthermore, the program values a supportive environment where teamwork and mentorship flourish. Faculty members are committed to providing individualized educational opportunities alongside collaborative teaching methods to promote optimal learning outcomes for residents.1

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for incoming residents, primarily supporting J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible to international medical graduates. It is known for being friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, contributing to a competitive yet diverse applicant pool.3

Applicants should carefully review any special requirements for the application, including limitations on the number of failed STEP exams and consideration of the year of graduation. Additionally, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to internal medicine through relevant experiences and qualifications that align with the program's mission to develop future physician leaders.1