MedStar Health Georgetown University/Georgetown Hospital Program

The MedStar Health - Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Internal Medicine offers an extensive and rigorous training designed to prepare residents for a successful career in internal medicine. Situated in close proximity to the Georgetown University School of Medicine, the program benefits from an integrated educational philosophy that combines patient care, education, and research within a collaborative environment.

Program Overview

The residency program has a strong emphasis on providing well-rounded training through diverse clinical experiences. Residents rotate through various inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing them to engage with a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. The program hosts 87 categorical Internal Medicine residents, indicating a robust training environment, supplemented by interdisciplinary programs such as Medicine-Pediatrics and preliminary residents in Anesthesia and Neurology 1.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the program is rooted in the education and training of residents who will embody professionalism and skillfulness in their medical practice. The goals focus on fostering educators and academicians, while also maintaining the highest standards in patient care, education, and academic achievement. Residents are expected to complete the ABIM certification exam successfully, further validating the training received 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum adheres to the ACGME's core competencies and encompasses six essential areas: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, and Systems-Based Practice. This structure ensures that residents develop essential skills for patient care as well as lifelong learning methods 1.

Specialty Electives

Residents have access to a wide array of electives, including core subspecialties such as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, and Palliative Care. Unique electives, such as Advanced Lung Transplant and Advanced Heart Failure, provide hands-on experience and exposure to complex patient cases 1.

Training Structure

The residency is designed around a 4 + 2 + 2 block schedule, which consists of 4 weeks of inpatient care, followed by 2 weeks in ambulatory clinic, and 2 weeks for electives or vacation. This structure promotes consistency in teaching and allows for extensive clinical exposure 1.

Morning Reports and Conferences

Daily morning reports and seminars encourage continuous engagement with clinical issues and are critical for board preparation. Various teaching formats are utilized, including lectures, case discussions, and interactive sessions that help reinforce medical knowledge 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are required to engage in scholarly activities, including clinical vignettes and original research, and are encouraged to present their work at national meetings. The program supports residents in finding suitable mentors for their research projects 1.

Unique Tracks

Two distinctive tracks for residents are available: the Michael Adams MD Clinician Educator Track (MACE), which focuses on developing teaching skills in a medical education context, and the Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) track, which provides advanced training in ultrasonography techniques 1.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visas, catering to the needs of international medical graduates. However, the availability of H1B visa sponsorship is currently absent 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The application process requires standardized documents through ERAS, including USMLE scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The program seeks to attract a diverse pool of candidates, and while it is regarded as highly competitive, it actively welcomes DO applicants and international medical graduates 1.

Rotation Sites

Residents gain clinical experience at both MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and affiliated healthcare facilities, which enhances exposure to various patient populations and supports balanced training across multiple clinical settings. This robust network ensures that residents are well-prepared for challenges in diverse healthcare environments 1.

Fellowship and Career Opportunities

The program has a strong reputation in fellowship placements, with many residents successfully matching into prestigious fellowship programs across various specialties. The comprehensive training, alongside dedicated mentorship, helps graduates excel in their subsequent careers in medicine 1.