MaineHealth Program

The Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) combines a comprehensive four-year curriculum that prepares residents for a broad range of career paths, including primary care, sub-specialty fellowships, research, hospital medicine, and academic medicine. The program is designed to create a supportive learning environment where residents are challenged to grow while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The program serves a diverse patient population, reflecting Portland's rich cultural tapestry and large immigrant community due to its extensive refugee resettlement resources. Medical residents engage in a high-caliber teaching environment that balances thorough supervision with opportunities for independent decision-making, allowing residents to develop clinical skills effectively while being mentored by experienced faculty 1.

Resident Experience

The residency program consists of four Med-Peds residents per class. It boasts a diverse educational experience, epitomized by the following statistics from recent cohorts: approximately 45% of graduates pursue fellowships, 35% enter primary care, and 20% turn to hospitalist roles. MaineHealth, a 700-bed not-for-profit institution, offers residents access to the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, featuring over 116 pediatric beds, enabling comprehensive training opportunities 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program is organized into 4-week blocks alternating between Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, with each block providing a rich array of clinical experiences. Additionally, residents participate in a combined Med-Peds continuity clinic, where they provide ongoing care and are precepted by Med-Peds trained attending physicians.

Residents also engage in numerous didactic sessions, including bi-monthly Med-Peds Journal Clubs and protected didactic time for categorical Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Individualized elective time allows residents to tailor their educational experiences, pursuing interests in both specialties 3.

Training Sites

MHMMC offers an array of training sites, which include MaineHealth facilities, local community clinics, and opportunities for international health rotations. Residents have previously traveled to various countries including Haiti, Belize, and Uganda, for international rotation opportunities. They also have unique access to rural practices in places like Windham and Bar Harbor, where Med-Peds physicians supervise residents 4.

Scholarship and Research

Research and scholarly activities are an integral part of the residency, with each resident having the opportunity to contribute to quality improvement, curriculum development, and clinical research. The program supports these activities through mentorship from faculty and a structured QI curriculum over the span of four years 5.

Simulation and Skills Training

The Hannaford Center for Safety, Innovation and Simulation at MaineHealth Brighton Campus is equipped with advanced simulation tools to enhance clinical training. This center provides high-fidelity training, enabling residents to practice various medical procedures and improve their team communication skills in a safe environment. This facility features multiple learning environments including a Simulation Lab, Standardized Patient Lab, and Skills Lab 6.

Diversity and Inclusion

The MaineHealth residency program places an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The program actively recruits diverse candidates and creates an inclusive training environment where residents from all backgrounds can thrive. The program aims to educate trainees about health disparities and social determinants of health, ensuring that every resident is well-equipped to serve the rich mix of communities in Portland and beyond 7.

Application Requirements

The Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency is highly competitive, welcoming applications from US citizens, Green Card holders, and J-1 visa applicants. International medical graduates must possess ECFMG certification to be eligible. Applicants should have graduated from medical school within five years and must have completed a minimum of two months of hands-on clinical training in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

Key requirements include:

• Submission of a complete ERAS application including MSPE, transcripts, and a personal statement.
• Three letters of recommendation from physicians who can directly speak to the applicant's clinical abilities.
• Passing scores on USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1; passing scores on Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 are also considered during ranking.

The program typically accepts four categorical positions per year, and a maximum of two failed attempts on Step exams are permitted during the application process 8.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. This facilitates the training of diverse candidates who contribute to the varying communities across Maine.

Overall Benefits and Wellness

MaineHealth ensures a robust benefits package for residents, including competitive salaries, medical, dental, and life insurance, and education stipends. Each resident is entitled to 21 days of vacation annually, along with several paid holidays. The residency program emphasizes wellness and stress management, encouraging residents to parttake in recreational activities and support groups to maintain a healthy work-life balance.