Mountain Area Health Education Center Program

This program, the MAHEC Internal Medicine Residency, focuses on creating a well-rounded internist by providing training in a supportive yet challenging environment. The program emphasizes training in rural care, reducing health disparities, caring for the elderly, community-based care, and special populations like patients with substance use disorders. Residents have opportunities to engage in various specialties at Mission Hospital, covering medicine services, ICUs, cardiology services, specialty consultations, and emergency medicine.

The training program includes unique rural-based rotations, public health opportunities, and scholarship experiences. The curriculum features a competency-based advancement structure, progressing residents from Learner to Manager to Teacher/Leader based on achieving milestones rather than a time-based approach. Additionally, the program offers a tandem block schedule that separates inpatient and outpatient responsibilities while providing continuity in the continuity clinic and maintaining specific learning experiences.

Residents in this program receive significant training at Mission Hospital, which is a highly ranked regional referral center known for its comprehensive internal medicine specialties. Moreover, they have opportunities to rotate at the Charles George VA Medical Center and Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, adding diverse experiences to their training.

The application process requires various components, including the ERAS application, personal statement, MSPE, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX documents. Applicants must meet specific qualifications, including medical school accreditation, passing USMLE Steps 1 and 2 or COMLEX 1 and 2 within three attempts, eligibility for a NC resident training license, and eligibility to work in the U.S. The program does not sponsor H1B or other visas.

The MAHEC Internal Medicine Residency follows the AAIM Recommendations for the Internal Medicine Residency Interview Season, conducting all interviews virtually for the 2023-24 season. The half-day interview includes program overviews, interviews with faculty, resident panel sessions, and an information session about benefits and Asheville. Interview dates are available both on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

If you are considering joining this program, it's essential to review the detailed information on their website for a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and requirements they offer.