Health Education Services/Merit Health Wesley Program

The emergency medicine residency program at Merit Health Wesley is a four-year postgraduate training initiative that focuses on developing the competencies and skills of residents, preparing them to work effectively in any emergency department. The program is based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and has received continued accreditation from the ACGME, which highlights its commitment to maintaining high-quality training standards.

Program Structure

The residency program has a total capacity of 24 residents, with six new positions filled each year. This intimate training environment encourages close synergy with attending physicians, fostering a collegial atmosphere where residents can thrive both academically and professionally.

Application Process

Applications for the program are accepted from July 1 through December 1 each year. The program currently only accepts J-1 Visas for international medical graduates. Applicants must hold graduation certificates from medical schools outside the United States or Canada or possess a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. jurisdiction. Participation in the ERAS and NRMP is required to fill the residency positions. Furthermore, candidates need to possess a combination of USMLE or COMLEX scores and letters of recommendation from emergency department physicians and their medical school dean.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is engineered for adult learners, emphasizing personal responsibility in education and skill development. It stretches over four years with a progressive increase in responsibility and instructional depth:

PGY1

The first year focuses on fundamental patient evaluation skills, including performing histories and physical exams, developing treatment plans, and initiating treatments. Moreover, first-year residents learn important procedural skills with access to simulation labs.

PGY2

The second year enhances independence and procedural knowledge. Residents are increased to educational duties, including teaching junior colleagues and participating in advanced procedural practices.

PGY3

In the third year, residents refine their patient care skills and develop the ability to manage multiple patients simultaneously. At this stage, they begin to teach junior residents and perform complex procedures under supervision.

PGY4

The final year prepares residents for independent practice, concentrating on critical care management and teaching responsibilities. They also serve in leadership capacities within the department.

Training Sites and Rotations

Residents rotate through various Mercy Health Wesley hospital departments, including Surgery, Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, and Intensive Care, among others. Specific elective rotations and experiences are available in fields such as disaster medicine and neurology. The program collaborates with other hospitals, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center for Trauma Services and Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

Research Focus

The program encourages resident involvement in research projects to promote evidence-based practice in emergency medicine. Such experiences contribute to both personal development and the advancement of emergency medical care practices.

Faculty

The residency faculty includes board-certified emergency medicine specialists dedicated to education and mentorship. This knowledgeable team consists of resident directors and clinical leaders with extensive experience in emergency medicine, ensuring residents receive quality instruction throughout their training.

Salary and Benefits

Salary packages for residents are competitive, with additional benefits such as:

• Medical and dental insurance from day one
• 401(k) plan enrollment
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Education allowances reaching $1000 based on PGY level
• Complimentary meals and call rooms

Hattiesburg Living

Living in Hattiesburg offers a family-friendly environment with numerous amenities, community events, and access to outdoor activities. The city is affectionately known as the Hub City for its convenient location less than 90 minutes from popular cities such as New Orleans and Mobile.

Competitiveness of the Program

The emergency medicine residency at Merit Health Wesley is competitive for applicants. It is open to candidates from both Osteopathic (DO) and Allopathic (MD) medical schools. They accept foreign medical graduates, primarily those holding J-1 Visas, making it a welcoming program for international applicants.