Louisiana State University Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The Louisiana State University Program in Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine offers an enriching and challenging environment aimed at developing skilled physicians capable of providing comprehensive care across a diversity of cases and patient populations. Nestled in the vibrant city of New Orleans, the program is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered education to residents. By integrating the specializations of emergency and internal medicine, the program prepares residents to handle complex and critical medical situations with expertise and confidence. This dual specialty program serves as a bridge between acute episodic care and long-term management, fostering a versatile skill set in its residents. The program operates within the framework of the Department of Medicine, which also supports various residency programs and numerous ACGME-accredited fellowship programs3, demonstrating its broad commitment to postgraduate medical education.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the LSU Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Residency is robust and well-structured, reflecting the diverse experiences needed to master both specialties. The rotations occur in a varied set of clinical sites, providing a comprehensive exposure to multiple subspecialties including Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrine, Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary, Hematology/Oncology, Palliative Medicine, and Cardiology2.

Residents participate in an X+Y call schedule system, which ensures a balance between inpatient rotations and ambulatory care. The system typically includes a four-week inpatient rotation followed by a one-week clinic rotation2. This structured yet flexible approach allows residents to immerse themselves fully in inpatient care while maintaining continuity in outpatient settings. The Medical ICU at University Medical Center (UMC) operates under a closed model, and the call schedule alternates traditional every 4th night with a night float system, ensuring residents gain extensive experience in managing high-acuity patients2.

Training Sites and Facilities

The program's training occurs across multiple esteemed facilities, each providing unique learning environments. University Medical Center (UMC), a Level I Trauma Center, serves as the primary teaching site, offering residents exposure to a wide array of medical conditions predominantly in underinsured and underserved populations2. Other notable training sites include Touro Infirmary and Ochsner Kenner Medical Center, which cater to diverse patient demographics, including self-pay, Medicaid, and privately insured individuals2. This array of training facilities ensures that residents are proficient in delivering care across different healthcare settings, from academic medical centers to community hospitals, thereby broadening their clinical experience and understanding of healthcare systems2.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Prospective applicants to the LSU Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Residency Program must apply through ERAS. To be considered, applicants must meet several requirements. A minimum of three letters of recommendation must accompany the application, and while a Chairman’s letter is encouraged, it is not obligatory1. International Medical Graduates need to be ECFMG-certified at the time of application, must have resided continuously in the United States for at least one year, and should have graduated from medical school within the past two years1. Interviews are conducted throughout the application season, underscoring the program's commitment to selecting candidates who not only exhibit academic excellence but also align with the program's values and mission.

Resident Wellness and Support

Resident wellness is a cornerstone of the LSU Residency Program, reflective of the program's recognition of the demanding nature of medical training. A plethora of wellness initiatives are in place to ensure residents maintain a healthy work-life balance. Activities such as pool parties, escape rooms, happy hours, and events centered around watching New Orleans Saints games are organized regularly to foster camaraderie among residents2. Additionally, the LSU Health Sciences Center's Wellness Center provides ample resources focused on physical wellness. Mental health and mindfulness are also prioritized through various seminars, acknowledging the diverse needs of residents. The program diligently orchestrates social events throughout the year to strengthen the sense of community and support among residents2.

Community Engagement

The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) is deeply committed to community engagement and addressing healthcare inequities in New Orleans. Through its Office of Community Engagement, the program leads initiatives designed to recruit and retain a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity and service2. This commitment to community not only enriches the clinical training experience but also reinforces the program’s mission to develop physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also socially responsible and community-oriented.

This structured and supportive environment, coupled with extensive training opportunities and a focus on holistic wellness, equips residents of the LSU Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Residency Program with the expertise and resilience necessary to excel in their future careers as physicians.