Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Internal Medicine / Pediatrics Residency Program at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport is a comprehensive training program designed to cultivate compassionate, competent physicians who are adept in both internal medicine and pediatrics. This dual training prepares residents for a wide array of career paths, including primary care, hospital medicine, and subspecialty fellowship opportunities.

Program Overview

The program was established in 1992 and has since emphasized an inclusive culture that fosters resident well-being, academic excellence, and community involvement. Residents benefit from a rigorous clinical experience that enhances their competencies in patient care, clinical reasoning, and service to a medically underserved population. The program serves as a tertiary care center for over one million people and offers a robust patient population to ensure a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency includes a structured curriculum that spans four years, encompassing various rotations across both internal medicine and pediatrics. During the first year (PGY-1), residents engage in inpatient medicine wards, MICU, ambulatory medicine, and emergency medicine. Subsequent years build in complexity, introducing electives in subspecialties such as cardiology, infectious diseases, and gastroenterology, among others. A notable aspect of the program is its 4+1 block system, where every fifth week is dedicated solely to outpatient continuity clinic work, enabling residents to manage a panel of patients consistently throughout their training 2.

In pediatric training, residents rotate at St. Mary Medical Center - a dedicated facility for pediatrics that features a children’s hospital, NICU, and PICU. Residents function as full pediatric interns and are involved in pediatric conferences, further broadening their clinical exposure 3.

Didactics and Learning Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on didactics, offering a robust mentorship program where faculty and residents work closely to foster educational growth. Morning reports, journal clubs, and interactive lectures constitute essential educational activities, alongside the use of respected resources such as the Johns Hopkins Physician Education and Assessment Center (PEAC) modules. An emphasis on wellness and personal development is integral to the residency experience 4.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities and quality improvement projects. The program hosts a monthly research colloquium and a biannual research fair to showcase resident-led projects. Participants collaborate with peers to present research findings by the end of the academic year, reinforcing the importance of scholarly contributions to medical education 5.

Resident Life and Work Environment

The residency program prides itself on cultivating a supportive, family-like atmosphere among residents and faculty. With roughly 19 residents currently enrolled, the program allows for building strong personal and professional relationships. Wellness activities include monthly events, an annual retreat, and community service initiatives that reinforce camaraderie within the group 6.

Competitive Aspects and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, welcoming both DO graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). To be considered, applicants must hold ECFMG certification and have US clinical experience prior to the internship. The program primarily sponsors the J-1 visa for international graduates. Applicants must also meet set deadlines for submitting materials via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and required USMLE or COMLEX examination scores. Notably, applicants must have passed Step 2 by February 15th of their application cycle to be ranked 7.

Location and Community

Training takes place in Shreveport, Louisiana, known for its cultural richness and accessibility to major cities such as Dallas and Houston. The city presents a low cost of living, minimal traffic issues, and ample recreational and dining options, greatly enhancing residents' quality of life during their training period 8.

Salary and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive salary along with benefits that include vacation days, sick leave, and health insurance options. House officers may choose a meal plan, have malpractice insurance covered by the state, and access a range of educational resources throughout their training 9.