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

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at HCA Florida Blake Hospital is an ACGME-accredited program designed to provide rich educational opportunities for aspiring internists. This program has successfully trained residents since its initial accreditation in January 2016, and it offers a total of 71 categorical positions, comprising 22 residents per year in the three-year categorical residency and 5 residents in the preliminary year. The primary training site is HCA Florida Blake Medical Center, a 383-bed tertiary care hospital with comprehensive services including a level II trauma center and a specialized burn center1.

Curriculum Overview

The program employs a 4+1 scheduling system that alternates four-week inpatient rotations with a one-week dedicated ambulatory clinic block. This rotation model allows for a continuity clinic experience that is uninterrupted by inpatient duties, enabling residents to balance clinical responsibilities with research and quality improvement projects. Over the course of three years, residents typically complete around 10 months of inpatient ward rotations, 4-5 months of intensive care unit (ICU) rotations, and more than 10 months in outpatient settings. Furthermore, a dedicated night float rotation ensures that residents have manageable shifts that do not exceed 12 hours2.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

Residents gain extensive clinical exposure through a rich variety of rotations including inpatient wards, emergency medicine, and ICU, as well as subspecialty rotations in cardiology, hematology/oncology, and infectious disease, among others. Elective opportunities also exist in various fields. Outpatient rotations take place at affiliated clinics where residents manage their own patient panel, thus gaining invaluable experience in continuity of care. They utilize prominent educational resources, including the Yale School of Medicine outpatient curriculum and MKSAP, during these rotations2.

Didactic Training

Residents participate in mandatory protected didactic sessions totaling 7 hours per week. This curriculum is designed to encompass a broad range of topics, including case presentations, board preparation lectures, EKG interpretation, and quality improvement sessions like Morbidity and Mortality conferences. Monthly Journal Clubs and simulation workshops further enhance residents' educational experiences by promoting engagement and practical application of knowledge. Additionally, dedicated resources such as ultrasound machines are made available for educational purposes, promoting hands-on learning in procedural skills and code scenarios2.

Research and Scholarly Activity

All residents are required to engage in scholarly activities as part of their training. Participation in morning reports, journal clubs, and formal presentations at events such as the annual Blake Research Day is expected. The program provides a dedicated research coordinator who assists in the development and execution of research projects. Residents are encouraged to publish their findings and may receive funding to support travel to relevant conferences, fostering continuous professional development and networking opportunities in the field2.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers a comprehensive benefits package tailored to meet residents' needs, which includes professional liability insurance, paid time off, short-term disability, and a meal stipend, among others. Residents can also benefit from reduced tuition at on-site daycare facilities, ensuring a supportive environment conducive to both professional growth and personal well-being. The program actively supports its residents through various educational stipends, including resources for board review and a range of professional memberships1,2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Internal Medicine Residency Program is competitive, endeavoring to attract a diverse cohort of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Specific requirements regarding graduation year, maximum failed STEP exams, and other prerequisites are established and should be reviewed during the application process to better understand eligibility. The program aims to uphold a high standard of academic and professional excellence, thus maintaining a selective approach to residency admissions

Visa support

The residency program supports visa sponsorship, providing necessary documentation for J-1 visas, which are often required for international medical graduates. This allows broader participation in the program, enhancing diversity and enriching the educational experience for all residents.