Johns Hopkins University Program

The Johns Hopkins Medicine-Pediatrics Urban Health Residency Program is a distinguished program tailored for those seeking to expand their abilities as primary care physician leaders and advocates for vulnerable urban communities. Since its inception, the program has aimed to prepare residents to care for diverse patient populations across the entire life cycle.

Program Overview

The program integrates a unique urban health curriculum, providing training that encompasses crucial public health issues, mental health, addiction medicine, and social determinants of health. Residents actively engage in community partnerships that foster an understanding of health disparities prevalent in urban settings. The curriculum is designed to equip residents with the tools necessary to address these inequities through clinical practice and advocacy.

Curriculum Structure

Residents undergo a comprehensive training process that includes a mix of inpatient and outpatient rotations in both pediatrics and internal medicine, with substantial time allocated to urban health-focused specialties. The curriculum features specialized rotations that cover:

• Addiction Medicine
• HIV/Hepatitis C Care
• Urban Community Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Healthcare for the Homeless
• Carceral Medicine

Each of these rotations allows residents to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, thus enhancing their skills in delivering primary care within challenging urban environments.

Clinic Sites

Residents primarily work at the East Baltimore Medical Center (EBMC), a key component of the program's training infrastructure. There, they manage comprehensive patient care across a variety of demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. This site is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which has allowed the program to expand its resources and capabilities significantly.

Community Involvement and Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes community engagement, urging residents to participate in outreach efforts, policy-making, and advocacy initiatives. Residents are encouraged to engage in research that tackles health disparities and explore diverse career paths upon graduation. The Urban Health Core Curriculum includes essential training in:

• Population health
• Racism and health disparities
• Implicit bias
• Trauma-informed care

Application Process and Eligibility

To apply for the program, candidates must demonstrate a firm commitment to urban health and ambulatory primary care. The following prerequisites are required:

• Graduates of MD or DO programs within the last three years.
• Passing scores on USMLE Step I and II (no specific cut-off scores set).
• Completion or planned completion of a sub-internship in either internal medicine or pediatrics.
• No intention to pursue subspecialty fellowships during residency.

Additionally, visa sponsorship is available for H1B visas only; the program does not accept J1 visas due to its specific focus on domestic training.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-Being

Diversity, inclusion, and social justice are foundational to the program's ethos. The program actively recruits candidates from varied backgrounds and seeks to foster an inclusive environment where collaboration and mentoring are paramount. To support the residents' well-being, the following initiatives are in place:

• Regular mental health check-ins
• Administrative time allocated for self-care appointments
• Structured mentorship to guide residents through their careers.

Life in Baltimore

Living in Baltimore presents medical residents with a vibrant urban culture. The city is known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, dining options, parks, and recreational opportunities. The program not only encourages scholarly activity but also emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle, facilitating a supportive network among residents and faculty.

Graduate Career Prospects

The program has a strong track record of producing leaders in urban health primary care. Graduates often take on roles such as:

• Office medical director in primary care clinics
• Chief medical officer at FQHCs
• Clinician-educators
• Policy makers and advocates at various levels of government

This comprehensive experience coupled with the extensive network at Johns Hopkins provides graduates with numerous opportunities to effect meaningful changes in healthcare.