Health Education Services/North Knoxville Medical Center Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Tennova Health in Knoxville offers a community-based education model with accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME ID: 1404700003). The program is designed to prepare residents to become capable, patient-centered physicians through a structured curriculum integrated with the local healthcare system and academic institutions.

Located at North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center, the program benefits from diverse clinical experiences across various facilities including emergency departments and urgent care centers. It also collaborates with Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), enhancing its educational resources with virtual and in-person library access and simulation centers. This partnership enables a robust learning experience, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach that includes various healthcare professionals—promoting comprehensive care for a diverse patient population 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum follows a 4+1 scheduling model, providing residents with four weeks of clinical rotation followed by a week in continuity clinic, allowing for thorough engagement with both education and patient care. Each required rotation is typically four weeks in length, fostering a consistent and structured learning environment. This approach not only aids in the development of long-term relationships between residents and faculty but also supports comprehensive assessments of their growth 1.

The internal medicine residency encompasses rotations in various areas such as inpatient hospital medicine, critical care, cardiology, geriatric medicine, and more, with specific allocations noted for each year. For example:

• Year 1 (PGY-1): 20 weeks of inpatient medicine, 10 weeks in the continuity clinic, and 2 weeks of vacation.
• Year 2 (PGY-2): 12 weeks of inpatient care, 10 weeks in continuity clinic, plus electives and critical care.
• Year 3 (PGY-3): Focused on electives (20 weeks) and senior responsibilities in the continuity clinic and inpatient settings.

Residents are entitled to a total of four weeks of vacation, with detailed plans available for their training and career objectives 1.

Research Opportunities

The program actively encourages and supports research initiatives, providing residents the opportunity to participate in scholarly activities that enhance their clinical learning experience. The environment promotes collaboration with faculty who have extensive backgrounds in medical education, ensuring effective mentorship in both clinical and research capacities 1.

Training Sites

The residency training occurs at North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center, which allows residents to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings. The interprofessional teams at these locations—including nurses, pharmacy staff, social work, and case management—contribute to the education of residents while providing high-quality care 1.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process requires submission through ERAS, with specific guidelines including the provision of USMLE or COMLEX scores (preferably passed by the second attempt). A minimum score of 220 for USMLE Step 2 is encouraged, along with prior US clinical experience, documented through observerships or externships. The program is open to applicants up to five years post-graduation, while not imposing strict limits on the number of failed examinations, preferring a strong overall application 34.

Visa Sponsorship

Tennova Health offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for candidates who show exceptional qualifications. This aligns with the program's commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment, including consideration for international medical graduates (IMGs) 3.

Competitive Nature of the Program

This residency program is considered competitive, emphasizing a comprehensive application review process where graduation date proximity and clinical experience play significant roles. The program selects residents not only based on academic credentials but also their fit within the collaborative and supportive environment of Tennova Health 4.

Conclusion

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Tennova Health in Knoxville provides an enriching, community-focused training experience, preparing its residents for various paths in internal medicine and beyond. With a focus on teamwork, research opportunities, and a robust curriculum, the program is poised to create future leaders in healthcare 3. As the residency continues to grow, it aims to instill a culture of lifelong learning and dedication to patient-centered care.