Mercy Health - Anderson Hospital Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a newly established program that is on the path to achieving ACGME accreditation. It is designed to accept eight residents each year as part of a three-year training curriculum. The program is community-based, emphasizing the importance of residents as essential members of the medical staff. Faculty members are selected for their diverse clinical, academic, and leadership experiences, contributing significantly to the educational environment. The focus of the program includes evidence-based medicine, lifelong learning, and overall wellness for residents.

The residents benefit from a comprehensive training structure that equips them with the necessary skills to adapt to various healthcare settings while fostering a culture centered on compassion and diverse medical skills. The program's aim includes encouraging reflective approaches to medical challenges, providing opportunities for residents to contribute to medical knowledge through research, and ensuring a balanced focus on their physical and mental well-being 1.

Application Process

Application for the Internal Medicine Residency at Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital must be done through the Electronic Residency Applications System (ERAS), with the application deadline set for December 31. To be considered for admission, candidates must submit three letters of recommendation (at least one from an internal medicine physician), a Dean's letter, a medical school transcript, a curriculum vitae (CV), a personal statement, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. Importantly, the program accepts applicants from U.S. and Canadian medical schools, as well as International Medical Graduates who meet specified criteria, including valid ECFMG certification and recent graduation status. Notably, the program only accepts J-1 visa sponsorship for foreign graduates 2.

Resident Benefits and Compensation

The residency provides a competitive salary starting from $61,258.14 for PGY-1 residents, escalating with each successive year. Residents receive generous paid time off, comprehensive insurance options, and a professional liability allowance. Additional stipends for academic purposes are also provided, alongside meal stipends and free parking. The overall quality of life in Cincinnati enhances the residency experience, offering affordable living conditions, recreational activities, and professional sports opportunities 3.

Training Rotation and Curriculum

The program features a well-structured curriculum, consisting of 13 four-week blocks that cover key areas including cardiology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and more. Residents are afforded the opportunity to partake in elective rotations to tailor their academic experience further. Training is supported by various didactic sessions, bedside teaching, and POCUS training to ensure residents gain expertise in essential procedures. The significant emphasis on research and quality improvement projects is promoted, ensuring residents engage actively in scholarly activities 4.

Wellness and Work-Life Balance

Recognizing the potential for burnout in demanding medical professions, the program has incorporated measures to promote residency wellness. This includes minimizing in-house call assignments and maintaining a manageable work schedule that averages between 50 to 70 hours per week depending on the rotation. Residents benefit from facilities designed to nurture personal well-being, including fitness facilities and mental wellness support 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital Internal Medicine Residency stands out with its commitment to individualized learning through innovative programs like point-of-care ultrasound training and access to diverse clinical experiences in public health settings. Leadership development is also prioritized, with participation in committees and leadership courses actively encouraged for residents 6.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, welcoming strong candidates from both U.S. medical schools and international applicants who meet the necessary criteria. With no absolute cut-off scores for USMLE exams, the selection process prioritizes work ethic and a dedication to internal medicine, making it a potentially appealing choice for a diverse range of candidates 2.