MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Program

The MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Internal Medicine Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited program located in Des Moines, Iowa, aimed at training residents in the comprehensive practice of internal medicine. The program is a collaborative effort between MercyOne Medical Center and Primary Health Care, Inc., designed to provide residents with varied opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

The residency encompasses two tracks: the Categorical Track and the Primary Care Track, each targeting different career outcomes while ensuring a rich educational experience.

Categorical Track

The Categorical Track is geared towards residents with aspirations of entering subspecialties or academic medicine. Residents in this track will:

• Engage in a in-depth curriculum that includes all facets of internal medicine, ensuring comprehensive training.
• Work closely with experienced faculty members, gaining exposure to diverse subspecialties.
• Participate actively in clinical research projects to develop critical thinking and research skills.
• Develop essential clinical skills through hands-on experience in both inpatient and outpatient environments.

Primary Care Track

The Primary Care Track focuses on nurturing future primary care physicians capable of managing both acute and chronic conditions effectively. As a primary care resident, individuals will:

• Receive specialized training in outpatient medicine, preventative care, and patient-centered communication.
• Engage in community outreach initiatives and health promotion activities to understand the healthcare needs of diverse populations.
• Focus heavily on chronic disease management, empowering residents to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

Curriculum

The residency program is structured over three years and includes a robust curriculum spanning across various disciplines. The rotation schedule is designed as follows:

PGY-1

• 12 weeks inpatient internal medicine days
• 4 weeks inpatient internal medicine nights
• 4 weeks cardiology
• 4 weeks community health/women's health
• 2 weeks emergency medicine
• 4 weeks ICU/CCU
• 4 weeks neurology
• 8 weeks ambulatory clinic
• 4 weeks pain clinic/addiction medicine
• 4 weeks electives
• 2 weeks continuity clinic

PGY-2 and PGY-3

• 24 weeks inpatient internal medicine days
• 8 weeks internal medicine nights
• 12 weeks ICU
• Rotations in geriatrics, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, nephrology, rheumatology, palliative care, with varying durations.
• 20 weeks electives

In addition to clinical rotations, the program provides a comprehensive didactic schedule that includes morning reports, M&M discussions, lectures, multidisciplinary conferences, and Journal Club. Residents are also supported in their scholarly activities aimed at expanding knowledge and publication in significant journals 1.

Research Opportunities

Research and scholarly activities are integral to MercyOne Des Moines. Residents participate in quality improvement projects and have the opportunity to publish their findings in various medical journals. The program encourages residents to explore areas of interest through research and provides the necessary support for developing projects 6.

Training Sites and Environment

The program is affiliated with a large tertiary referral center and a Level II trauma center, allowing residents to gain experience in advanced medical practice. The residency site offers multiple subspecialty rotations including cardiology, pulmonology, critical care, and more, thereby ensuring a well-rounded education 5.

The working atmosphere fosters resident wellness, with no 24-hour call schedules and flexible PTO to support residents' mental and physical health. This collaborative environment is further enhanced by a focus on camaraderie among residents and faculty, creating a supportive learning community 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas. This facilitates opportunities for qualified candidates globally to participate in the residency program and contribute diverse perspectives to the learning environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The MercyOne Des Moines Internal Medicine Residency Program is regarded as highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduated and international medical graduates (IMG). There may be specific requirements regarding the year of graduation and numbers of failed STEP examinations to ensure candidates meet the expected standards of the training program.

Overall, the MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Internal Medicine Residency Program stands out due to its dedicated faculty, comprehensive curriculum, diverse patient exposure, and a strong culture of support and wellness for its residents.