Program Overview
The Emergency Medicine residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego is designed for Active Duty members of the United States Armed Forces. The program is part of a broader Graduate Medical Education (GME) initiative that emphasizes operational readiness and military training in a variety of medical fields, including emergency medicine. It is noteworthy that the program does not participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), thus requiring applications to be made through the Medical Operational Data System (MODS).
Curriculum and Rotations
The Emergency Medicine residency curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive training across a variety of clinical settings. Residents will rotate through key departments, including trauma, surgical, medical, pediatric, and psychiatric emergencies. Each rotation is designed to hone the resident's clinical skills and enhance their ability to manage critically ill patients effectively.
Furthermore, residents will participate in both supervised clinical practice and didactic learning, ensuring a solid foundation in emergency medicine. The residency program typically includes rotations that cover:
- Trauma and Surgical Emergencies
- Medical Emergencies
- Pediatric Emergencies
- Psychiatric Emergencies
- Critical Care Medicine
This exposure ensures that residents are well-prepared for the range of scenarios they will encounter in real-world emergency situations.
Research Opportunities
Research is a fundamental component of the training provided by the program. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects relevant to military medicine and emergency care. Participation can be through collaborations with faculty or through independent projects designed to advance the field and address unique military-related health needs.
Training Sites
Training takes place at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, which houses state-of-the-art facilities designed for emergency medicine training. This center serves as a primary trauma and tertiary care referral center for various military facilities in the region. It provides residents access to a diverse patient population and a variety of clinical scenarios.
Visa Support
The residency program provides visa support only for residents who are Active Duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The program typically sponsors visas for the J-1 and H-1B categories. This ensures compliance with military policy and facilitates international trainees’ participation in the program.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Emergency Medicine residency program is highly competitive and is primarily geared towards Active Duty applicants from the United States Armed Forces. Given the military context, factors such as prior service, medical school performance, and relevant clinical experience are considered in the selection process.
Applicants must have completed a U.S. medical school program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and have a valid medical license to practice. Although the program is designed for military personnel, it is friendly to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees or International Medical Graduates (IMG).
Specific prerequisites such as the year of graduation or the maximum number of failed USMLE or COMLEX exams are not explicitly stated. However, candidates are generally expected to have a strong academic record and a commitment to serving in a military or operational environment.
Website
Director
Felipe H Grimaldo, MDProgram Director Appointed Since June 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
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Quality of Life
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Admission
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-Location
San Diego, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in San Diego, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: San Diego is relatively safe compared to other cities of its size. However, like any big city, it has its share of crime. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: San Diego offers a wide range of activities from beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. There are also numerous theme parks and museums to explore.
- Climate: San Diego is known for its pleasant year-round climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city enjoys an average of 266 sunny days per year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: San Diego is a diverse city with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities. It is home to a significant Hispanic and Asian population, among others.
- Education: San Diego is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continuing education and research. The city also has a strong public school system.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs. However, it offers a high quality of life with access to beautiful natural surroundings.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: San Diego is approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles by car, making it easy to visit for a weekend getaway. Los Angeles offers a different experience with its urban sprawl, entertainment industry, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, diverse culture, and proximity to major cities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, traffic congestion in certain areas, and potential for natural disasters like wildfires.
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