HealthPartners Institute/Regions Hospital Program

The Regions Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency Program, affiliated with the HealthPartners Institute, offers a comprehensive and enriching training experience for individuals aspiring to become proficient in emergency medicine. The program seeks to cultivate compassionate, skilled residents who are prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic healthcare environment. Residents undergo a rigorous training regimen in a supportive educational atmosphere, enabling them to explore the depths and breadth of emergency medicine while developing unique career trajectories through dedicated mentorship.

This well-established residency, initiated in 1996, is a PGY 1-3 program that accommodates 11 residents per class. The focus is on training humanistic emergency physicians who are equipped to assume leadership roles and pursue advanced specialties after graduation. The curriculum includes a variety of clinical experiences which aim to enhance both their medical knowledge and practical skills associated with emergency medicine.

Residency Experience

Residents gain valuable exposure to subspecialty training through a series of fellowships based at Regions Hospital, including areas such as Medical Toxicology, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Ultrasound, Quality and Patient Safety, International Medicine, and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. The program ensures residents have exceptional opportunities to participate actively, such as taking on the Associate Director role of an EMS service or contributing to the Quality and Patient Safety team.

Clinical Training Sites

The residency's pivotal training site is the Regions Hospital Emergency Department, which plays a critical role in emergency healthcare across the Twin Cities, Western Wisconsin, and throughout the upper Midwest. Regions Hospital serves as a Level-1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center and is a recognized facility for heart and stroke care. As the first Level-1 Pediatric Trauma Center in the Midwest, Regions handles approximately 89,000 emergency department visits annually, with a notable admission rate of 23%. The emergency department features 57 treatment rooms spread across 50,000 square feet of clinical space.

Center of Excellence

In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Regions Emergency Department was the first U.S. academic medical center and the fourth overall hospital to receive the designation of Emergency Center of Excellence. This classification is based on over 100 key performance indicators that evaluate the effectiveness of emergency department operations.

Application Process

The residency program participates actively in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Interested candidates must submit their applications through their respective medical school dean’s office or through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). It is important to note that applications submitted by mail will not be accepted. The program welcomes 11 PGY-1 positions annually.

A complete application package must include the following components: a transcript from the medical school, a Dean's letter (MSPE), three letters of recommendation—ideally from physicians with at least two from those practicing emergency medicine—including one Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE), a copy of the USMLE Step 1 examination results (with Step 2 results when available), and a letter of recommendation from a Program Director if applicable.

The application deadline is November 1, with interview invitations being extended on a rolling basis starting in early October. The program's response deadline is December 15, aligning with the military match dates.

Competitiveness and International Applicants

While the program is known for being competitive, it maintains a welcoming stance towards graduates from diverse medical backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants. Understanding that every applicant brings unique experiences to the table enriches the overall learning atmosphere within the residency program.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for international applicants, generally sponsoring J-1 visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from outside the United States can pursue their residency training in this dynamic and esteemed environment.