HCA Florida Healthcare/Westside/Northwest Hospital Program

The HCA Florida Westside Hospital Transitional Year Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience aimed at developing residents into highly skilled and compassionate physicians. The program is grounded in a commitment to clinical excellence and professionalism, ensuring that residents receive the highest quality education in a dynamic environment that promotes personal and professional growth.1

Program Overview

The program strives to offer outstanding clinical training and didactic educational experiences. Residents have the opportunity to engage in diverse clinical encounters that span the entire lifespan. The program is affiliated with multiple ACGME accredited residencies, allowing for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum consists of 13 blocks, designed to encompass a broad range of clinical experiences. Of these, 10 blocks are required rotations, which include:

• 6 blocks of Internal Medicine
• 1 block of Emergency Medicine
• 1 block of Surgery
• 1 block of Ambulatory Care
• 1 block of ICU

In addition, residents can select 3 elective blocks, allowing for tailored educational experiences that align with their career goals.2

Faculty

The faculty at the HCA Florida Westside Hospital Transitional Year Residency Program comprises a dedicated team of experienced physicians in various specialties, including:

• Paramjit Kalirao, MD - Program Director
• Freddy Malpartida, MD - Nephrology
• Ali Chaudhry, MD - Critical Care
• Israel Penate, MD - Internal Medicine
• Christopher Puchferran, MD - Interventional Radiology
• Adam Gittleman, MD - Neuroradiology
• Evan Garrod, MD - Internal Medicine
• Steven Burack, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Aneja Pallavi, MD - Internal Medicine

The faculty is committed to providing mentorship and support to help residents achieve their educational goals and success in their future careers.3

Benefits and Salary

Residents in the program receive a range of benefits that include:

• Health and disability insurance starting on the first day of employment
• Educational allowance as per HCA Florida GME policy
• Conference attendance per program policy
• Paid certifications like BLS/ACLS/PALS/ATLS as required by the program
• Meals provided while on duty in clinical settings
• Lab jackets and other program-specific needs

The competitive salary for a PGY-1 resident is $61,318, reflecting the program's commitment to support its trainees financially while they pursue their education.1

Mission Statement

The mission of the HCA Florida Westside Hospital Transitional Year Residency Program is to cultivate the next generation of physicians. The program emphasizes the care and improvement of human life, shaped by individualized learning opportunities and a supportive educational environment.1

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates and can provide visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This openness contributes to a diverse applicant pool, making the program IMG-friendly and accessible to graduates from various backgrounds. Furthermore, the program maintains a competitive stance for selection, with an emphasis on academic achievement and clinical experience.1

Application Requirements

While specific details may vary, the program generally considers candidates who have graduated from medical school within a certain number of years prior to application. Additionally, candidates may need to meet certain performance thresholds on licensing examinations, such as the USMLE steps, as part of the selection process. It is recommended that applicants demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in medicine through relevant research, clinical experiences, and volunteer work.1