Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth) Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience for residents in a military medical setting. The program spans three years and operates at a highly accredited facility recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 1.

The program comprises a total approved complement of 41 residents, with 14 positions available for the first year (PGY1), 11 for each of the second (PGY2) and third years (PGY3). Notably, this program does not require a categorical year in the specialty prior to admission, and there is no dedicated research year offered 1.

Program Structure

The curriculum integrates a robust clinical training framework with a variety of inpatient and outpatient experiences. The residency follows a 3+1 rotation model where residents spend three weeks on clinical rotations followed by one week in a continuity clinic. This structure allows residents to manage patient panels while engaging in educational activities related to military operational topics, social determinants of health, and quality improvement methods 1.

The program encourages scholarly activities through quality improvement initiatives, case reports, and institutional review board-approved longitudinal research projects. Each resident is required to complete a minimum of two scholarly projects prior to graduation, one of which must be presented as first author at a national conference or published 1.

Clinical Rotations

Residents gain exposure to a diverse array of clinical environments, including rotations at the Navy Medical Center Portsmouth and affiliated institutions such as Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Residents participate in various specialties such as cardiology, nephrology, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, and many more 1.

Specialty Electives

In addition to required rotations, residents have the opportunity to engage in elective rotations at top-rated civilian facilities, enhancing their learning and professional development. Elective experiences may include palliative care, intensive care, rheumatology, and operationally focused rotations such as military tropical medicine and shipboard medicine 1.

Educational Features

The educational curriculum emphasizes interactive teaching methods. Morning reports, board reviews, subspecialty lectures, and small group activities foster a collaborative learning environment. Residents also participate in longitudinal simulation and ultrasound training to refine their procedural skills 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Residents are actively encouraged to participate in research endeavors, resulting in multiple presentations at national conferences and publications in relevant medical journals. Residents can pursue projects related to quality improvement as part of their training and are required to engage in aspects of research relevant to internal medicine 1.

Competitive Applicant Profile

The program is considered highly competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. It is particularly friendly towards applicants from DO and IMG backgrounds, enhancing the diversity of the resident cohort 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. The types of visas supported typically include J-1 and H-1B clinical visas, which are crucial for non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident applicants wishing to pursue residency training in the United States 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the program, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically include graduation from medical school within a certain timeframe and may restrict the number of failed STEP exams. Exact requirements can vary, and prospective residents should ensure they meet the benchmarks outlined by the program 1.

Resident Well-Being

The program recognizes the challenges associated with residency training and emphasizes resident well-being. Initiatives include a dedicated wellness team, quarterly social events, and opportunities for group therapy, which contribute to a supportive learning environment 1.

Teaching Opportunities

Residents have opportunities to engage in teaching, including developing case scenarios for ultrasound curricula and leading small group discussions. They can earn the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Teaching Fellow Designation, which supports their educational development 1.