Meharry Medical College Program

The Internal Medicine residency program at Meharry Medical College is a comprehensive three-year training program comprising 45 house officers and two chief residents. The program is both ACGME- and ABIM-certified, offering categorical and preliminary residency options. A pivotal aspect of the training is the emphasis on resident involvement in shaping the curriculum through regular feedback sessions, known as "town halls," with the program director, ensuring that educational and professional needs are met for all house staff 1.

The residency program primarily utilizes two hospitals for clinical education: Nashville General Hospital at Meharry (NGH), which serves as an urban charity facility, and the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York Campus (VA). Residents typically allocate approximately 50% of their training at each location. Both educational centers furnish training led by Board-certified internists and specialists with opportunities in various medical subspecialties available at both sites and additional locations such as Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital in Memphis 1.

As part of the residency obligations, each trainee is expected to supervise and teach third- and fourth-year medical students during their rotations. The program prides itself on utilizing the resources of Meharry Medical College's School of Medicine, including a digital medical library accessible 24/7. The emphasis on research is evident, with each categorical resident mandated to complete a research project, further promoting an interest in academia and lifelong learning 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program is structured to equip residents with essential skills required for a competent internist. Key objectives include forming an accurate differential diagnosis, adeptly managing complex diseases, and performing various procedures independently. Residents also gain vital experience managing patient care across both inpatient and outpatient settings 1.

The rotation curriculum for PGY-1 residents includes 24 to 26 weeks of general medicine, 6 to 9 weeks of elective rotations, a 13-week continuity clinic, and an ICU experience of 6 to 7 weeks. PGY-2 residents spend 11 weeks in general medicine, 14 weeks in electives, and have similar continuity clinic and ICU experiences as their predecessors. The PGY-3 curriculum shifts slightly to 9 weeks in general medicine and 18 to 21 weeks in electives, with similar continuity and ICU experiences 1.

Intern Responsibilities

During the PGY-1 year, residents are tasked with evaluating patients, formulating treatment plans, writing progress notes, and managing discharge planning, among other responsibilities. Interns are expected to actively participate in daily rounds, morning reports, and teaching conferences 1.

Research Commitment

The Internal Medicine program at Meharry is committed to high-quality research aimed at enhancing care for minority patients. This charge highlights the program's dedication to addressing health disparities while simultaneously enriching the educational experience for residents through scholarly activities 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Admission to the Internal Medicine residency program is competitive, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for applicants. Candidates must graduate from an LCME-accredited medical school within three years of the PGY year start date and must have successfully completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams before the interview offer. The program does not sponsor visas, and international medical graduates must have an ECFMG certificate 2.

Furthermore, a passing score in USMLE Step 3 is necessary for promotion to the PGY-2 level. Interviews are conducted by invitation only, with a specific focus on a resident’s overall evaluations and experiences 1.

Training Environment

The training afforded by Meharry Medical College emphasizes a supportive and enriching environment aimed at developing well-rounded internists. Rotational experiences are designed to provide both inpatient and outpatient care opportunities across diverse clinical settings. The program is structured around a 3+1 block schedule with direct and indirect supervision by attending physicians 1.

Visa Support

The program does not currently support visa sponsorship, emphasizing the necessity for applicants to be U.S. citizens or hold a valid green card to be considered for training 2.

Benefits

Residents benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive health packages, and various educational resources. Paid Time Off (PTO) is also provided, along with access to wellness lounges and meal cards during approved rotations. The program further attends to residents' professional growth through opportunities for research and teaching within an inclusive and diverse clinical environment 2.