Midwestern University GME Consortium / Verde Valley Program

The Verde Valley Medical Center's Internal Medicine Residency Program, part of the Midwestern University Graduate Medical Education Consortium, is dedicated to equipping its trainees with advanced training in the specialty of internal medicine. The program is designed to create a comprehensive didactic and clinical learning environment that fosters both educational and wellness needs, thereby enabling graduates to serve effectively as physicians and as responsible community members. The residency aims to instill a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and safety while emphasizing patient-centered communication and shared decision-making.

The mission of the Verde Valley Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency is to provide concentrated training while promoting a setting that emphasizes quality and patient safety. This commitment extends to providing necessary resources for career development, fostering a supportive environment, and nurturing skills essential for effective communication with patients and their families.

The curriculum is structured over a three-year training period built around 13 four-week blocks. Residents can expect core training in several key areas including Internal Medicine Ward-Based, Pulmonary/ICU, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Palliative Care, and various subspecialties such as Neurology, Infectious Disease, Geriatrics, and Gastroenterology. Additionally, residents have access to electives that cover diverse topics ranging from Allergy/Immunology to Women’s Health.

Training takes place across multiple participating sites, with the Verde Valley Medical Center serving as the primary site, supplemented by Flagstaff Medical Center, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, Mountain Vista Medical Center, and the Sedona Emergency Department. Core didactic components include Lunch Lectures, Tumor Boards, Morbidity and Mortality meetings, and Simulation Training.

Residents in the program are supported through a competitive stipend structure with salary increments available during each postgraduate year: PGY-1 ($64,488), PGY-2 ($67,106), PGY-3 ($70,028), and PGY-3 Chief ($73,223). Furthermore, the program offers comprehensive benefits which include health, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, as well as professional liability insurance.

Additional support for residents includes six weeks of paid leave, an employee assistance program, medical board licensure assistance, and annual funds for education, research, and conference travel. The provision of resources aims to ensure that residents can adequately care for patients while maintaining a balanced personal life.

For prospective applicants, the program offers a total of four first-year (PGY-1) positions annually. Eligibility requires graduates from U.S. Osteopathic Medical Schools (COCA accredited) or accredited medical schools in the U.S. and Canada (LCME accredited). International Medical Graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate or a full unrestricted medical license within a U.S. jurisdiction.

The application process necessitates the submission of several critical documents including personal statements, CVs, multiple letters of recommendation, and transcripts from either USMLE or COMLEX. Candidates must also register with the NRMP for matching purposes.

The Verde Valley Medical Center's residency program is known for being competitive, yet it is considered friendly to both DO and IMG applicants, creating an inclusive environment for diverse backgrounds.

This program stands out due to its commitment to osteopathic principles and collaborative training, ensuring that residents get exposure to various population spectrums and clinical settings.

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Specifically, it provides support for J-1 visas, facilitating the entry of international physicians into the U.S. to complete their residency training.

Residents have the opportunity to experience life in Cottonwood, Arizona, a quaint town known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. The community offers a supportive atmosphere, enhancing both the personal and professional growth of residents.