Loyola University Medical Center Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency program at Loyola University Medical Center is a three-year training program established in 2019. Located in Maywood, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, the program comprises six residents per year. Its mission is to train emergency medicine physicians for excellence in leadership, care, and service. 

The residency is based at the John L. Keeley, MD, Emergency Department, part of Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC), which is a Level One Trauma Center and Quaternary Care Center. Residents benefit from exposure to diverse patient pathology and a supportive learning environment emphasizing community engagement and leadership development.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to ensure that residents gain comprehensive clinical experience throughout their training. Each year includes core rotations critical to developing practical skills in emergency medicine. 

PGY1 Rotations

The PGY1 year commences with a four-week orientation rotation that includes team-building exercises, skills labs, and simulation training. Key rotations for PGY1 residents include:

• LUMC Emergency Department: Intensive training in emergency medicine, providing exposure to acute cases.
• Pediatric Emergency Department: Dedicated care for pediatric patients with ongoing pediatric EM shifts throughout the year.
• Trauma service: Involvement in the management of trauma patients in collaboration with experienced teams.
• ICU rotations (CCU and MICU): Focusing on critically ill patients to gain valuable insights into advanced care techniques.
• EMS exposure: Experience with emergency medical services, reflecting the program's focus on community care.
• Ultrasound and Anesthesia: Learning technical skills essential for emergency medicine.

PGY2 Rotations

During the PGY2 year, residents have increased responsibility, supervising junior residents during shifts and managing trauma patient airways. Notable rotations include:

• Burn ICU: A rotation that provides experience in one of the few dedicated Burn ICUs in the region.
• Pediatric Sedation: An opportunity to manage sedation during various procedures in a pediatric setting.

PGY3 Rotations

The third year focuses on honing leadership skills and comprehensive emergency care management. Residents take on significant responsibilities in managing patient flow and supervising students. Notable rotations involve:

• Toxicology at Cook County Hospital: Engaging with the Toxicon Consortium for robust clinical exposure.
• Electives: Residents can choose from various electives, tailoring part of their training to specific interests.

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

Teaching is integral to the residency experience. Residents serve as mentors for medical students from the Stritch School of Medicine and participate in delivering didactic courses. With a strong emphasis on peer teaching, residents are expected to develop effective teaching skills, encouraging collaborative learning.

Weekly conferences are scheduled to offer structured teaching sessions utilizing advanced methodologies such as small group learning and simulation training, moving away from traditional lecturing formats.

Specialty Tracks

The program also features Specialty Tracks in Emergency Medicine (STEMEs), which allow residents to delve deeper into specific areas of emergency medicine such as:

• Education
• Sports Medicine
• Ultrasound
• Global and Community Health

Research and Clinical Opportunities

Research is encouraged throughout residency training, with opportunities for residents to participate in various scholarly activities. Faculty engagement in transformative education and innovation further enriches the learning experience, maximizing research potential.

Competitiveness and Applicant Information

The program is considered competitive, welcoming applications from a broad range of candidates, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements include completion of USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 and the submission of at least one SLOE (Standard Letter of Evaluation) for applicants seeking admission.

Visa Eligibility

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates and is dedicated to assisting residents with visa applications, ensuring their transition to training is seamless.

Resident Life and Wellness

Loyola's Emergency Medicine Residency emphasizes resident wellness, providing continuous support systems to promote resilience. Various initiatives, such as annual retreats, wellness days, and physical fitness programs, are incorporated to help maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Locations for Training

In addition to LUMC's Emergency Department, residents train at MacNeal Hospital and other specialty sites throughout the Chicago area, which provide high-volume and varied patient experiences. This diversity offers excellent exposure to multiple aspects of emergency medicine practice.