Health Education Services/Crestwood Medical Center Program
Location:
Huntsville, ALSpecialty:
Internal medicineACGME Code:
1400100001NRMP Program Code:
2335140C4Welcome to the Crestwood Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency Program, an ACGME-accredited residency located in Huntsville, Alabama. The program is committed to training well-rounded internists who are prepared to improve the health of their patients and communities. Each resident class is composed of 12 residents, leading to a total of 36 residents at full complement, making for an engaging and community-centered training atmosphere.
The mission of the program emphasizes the development of excellent clinical skills, alongside a commitment to patient-centered, culturally-aware healthcare practices. The goal is to prepare residents for real-world practice, whether that involves primary care, hospital medicine, or continuing onto subspecialty training.
Curriculum Overview
The internal medicine curriculum at Crestwood Medical Center consists of a structured three-year program. Each academic year is divided into 10 five-week clinical education blocks, where residents spend four weeks in assigned rotations and one week in ambulatory experiences in the program’s continuity clinic. This setup allows residents to immerse themselves fully in their learning and clinical responsibilities.
Training Activities
In addition to clinical rotations, residents participate in a variety of educational activities during dedicated academic time, including:
- Morning bedside rounds
- Supervised handoff meetings
- Balint group discussions
- Daily didactic lectures, including a lunchtime series
- Grand rounds and morbidity & mortality conferences
- Quality improvement lectures and workshops
- Simulation activities and mock codes
Asynchronous activities include ACLS/BLS training and required online modules related to patient safety and quality improvement. The combination of didactic and practical experiences is aimed at fostering a robust educational environment.
Clinical Rotations
Crestwood Medical Center provides diverse clinical rotations across various specialties including cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and others. The program welcomes requests for resident-designed electives, allowing for individualized training tailored to specific interests.
Research and Quality Improvement
Research is an integral aspect of the program, where residents are encouraged to engage in quality improvement initiatives that align with clinical practice. Each resident is expected to understand the principles of conducting clinical research while participating in projects that enhance healthcare delivery systems.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Crestwood Internal Medicine Residency Program attracts a competitive applicant pool. It welcomes graduates from U.S. medical schools and international medical graduates who meet certain criteria. Applicants are required to submit their USMLE or COMLEX scores, with a preference for passing the first attempt on USMLE/COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2. Should the graduation year fall between 2016 and 2020, U.S. clinical experience is strongly preferred. For graduates after January 2021, U.S. clinical experience is not a requirement.
Regarding visa sponsorship, the program supports J-1 visa sponsorship only. It is essential to note that applicants from specific international medical schools are ineligible for the program due to licensing restrictions in Alabama.
Community and Support
The Crestwood Medical Center emphasizes an inclusive and supportive environment that caters to the medical, educational, and personal needs of its residents. The program aims to foster wellness among its faculty and resident body, creating a community that values kindness and acceptance.
Onboarding and Orientation
Matched applicants can expect an onboarding process that includes a checklist of requirements, delivered via email. Orientation is structured to equip residents with essential tools and knowledge for a successful start, taking place in the last week of June just prior to the residency year commencing on July 1.
This comprehensive residency program is designed to empower residents with the skills, knowledge, and community support necessary to launch successful careers in internal medicine.
Website
Director
Rodney Holladay, MD0.50 FTE Program Director and Site 1 Director Appointed Since April 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$57,103First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
214Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Huntsville, AL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, AL, known as the "Rocket City," offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Huntsville has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities. The city is considered safe for residents.
- Fun Activities: Huntsville is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Botanical Garden, and numerous parks, offering a variety of outdoor and cultural activities.
- Climate: The climate in Huntsville is typically mild, with hot summers and cool winters.
- Races and Population: The population of Huntsville is diverse, with residents from various races and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Huntsville is known for its strong educational institutions, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Huntsville is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Nearby Cities: Birmingham, AL, is about 1.5 hours away by car, offering a larger urban center with more amenities. Nashville, TN, is approximately 2 hours away by car, providing access to a vibrant music and cultural scene.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, strong educational institutions.
- Cons: Limited public transportation options, suburban sprawl in some areas.
Interview Questions
