Hennepin Healthcare Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency program at Hennepin Healthcare is a prestigious three-year training program designed to produce highly skilled emergency physicians. Established in 1972, the program is notable for its emphasis on clinical excellence and innovative practices within a Level 1 Trauma Center. With a mission to provide comprehensive training, residents are well-prepared for the diverse spectrum of emergency care. The program prides itself on an inclusive culture, recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within both the educational and clinical environments 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is tailored to provide residents with hands-on critical care experience and a solid foundation in emergency medicine. This comprehensive approach begins from day one, where residents participate in critical decision-making and engage with diverse patient populations, including urban and underserved communities. The program incorporates cutting-edge medical technology and procedures, ensuring that residents receive training that adapts to the evolving landscape of emergency medicine 1.

Rotations and Responsibilities

The structured rotation schedule offers extensive exposure to various specialties, including neurosurgery, medical intensive care unit (MICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and toxicology through partnerships with the Minnesota Poison Control Center. Early clinical responsibilities empower PGY-1 residents to provide care alongside experienced practitioners, fostering rapid growth in clinical skills 1.

As residents progress to the second and third years, they assume increasing autonomy, culminating in leadership roles during their final year. The “Pit Boss” role for PGY-3 residents involves supervising junior residents and managing overall operations within the Emergency Department, providing essential leadership and organizational experience 1.

Didactics and Learning Opportunities

The Emergency Medicine Residency emphasizes collaborative learning through a minimum of five hours of didactic experiences weekly. This includes weekly conferences that cover critical cases, core content curriculum, and case-based learning sessions. Furthermore, the program promotes research and quality improvement initiatives, allowing residents to engage in clinical studies while managing their duties 1.

Residents benefit from high-fidelity simulation training and procedure labs, assuring proficiency in various resuscitative procedures. The focus on continuous education is evidenced by monthly conferences and journal clubs, fostering a dynamic learning environment 1.

Research Opportunities

Hennepin Healthcare emphasizes active participation in research, with residents encouraged to undertake clinical projects during their training. The program hosts a pioneering Research and Quality Improvement initiative, which ensures that residents are involved in a multitude of research projects annually, enhancing the quality of emergency care 1.

Faculty and Support

The residency program boasts a faculty of forty-two board-certified Emergency Physicians, all affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Faculty members hold leadership roles in various emergency medicine organizations and are dedicated to medical education and the overall development of residents 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The application process for the Emergency Medicine Residency requires a comprehensive submission through ERAS, including a standardized letter of evaluation from an emergency medicine rotation. Applicants are expected to have passing USMLE Step 1 scores, and a USMLE Step 2 score is mandatory 1. This program is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants, including those who are international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic students 1.

Consideration may also be given to candidates with various backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives in the residency cohort 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international applicants, particularly through sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This allows qualified international medical graduates to pursue their residency training in emergency medicine at Hennepin Healthcare 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Hennepin Healthcare’s Emergency Medicine Residency is distinguished by its strong emphasis on community engagement and diversity. The program’s commitment to social justice and equity is further highlighted by its dedicated Diversity Committee, which actively promotes diversity within the workforce and broader community engagement initiatives 1. Additionally, the integration of advanced technology and interdisciplinary cooperation characterized by minimal hierarchies enhances the learning environment, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for residency training 1.