Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program

The Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program in Emergency Medicine offers a comprehensive three-year residency program designed to prepare graduates for a successful career in emergency medicine. This structured curriculum emphasizes both clinical expertise and the essential soft skills required for exceptional patient care.

Educational Experience

The residency program at Ochsner is fully accredited and committed to creating compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled emergency physicians. Residents attend a rigorous 36-month curriculum that aligns with the ACGME requirements. The program embraces a dynamic educational approach, emphasizing the competencies vital for effective patient care, including Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, and Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, alongside Systems-Based Practice 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency is divided into three years, with a robust training schedule that includes a variety of rotations across different specialties, ensuring broad exposure to emergency care. The curriculum features longitudinal rotations in Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) and opportunities to engage in elective rotations that allow residents to tailor their training to specific interests.

Residents can expect rotations in Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit, and more. Each year progressively increases the intensity and responsibility of clinical duties, with residents performing emergency procedures, managing patient cases, and participating in high-stakes scenarios under supervision 1.

Sample Residency Rotations

• PGY-1: Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, and ICU rotations.
• PGY-2: Includes critical care in advanced settings such as Shock Trauma Center.
• PGY-3: Focus on leadership and autonomy in patient management, with additional electives 1.

Research Opportunities

The program actively encourages residents to engage in research initiatives, providing access to resources for conducting original studies relevant to the field of emergency medicine. Annual Research Day offers a platform for residents to present findings and project ideas to peers and faculty, fostering collaboration and academic growth 1.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents train at the Ochsner Medical Center, a leading private academic medical institution known for its advanced care capabilities. The center features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Ochsner Clinical Simulation and Patient Safety Center, which plays a pivotal role in the training of residents, utilizing simulation-based learning to prepare them for real-life emergency situations 1.

Resident Life

Life as a resident in New Orleans combines the rigors of medical training with the vibrant culture of the city. Ochsner emphasizes wellness and resident support, providing ample opportunities to engage in community activities, explore local cuisine, and experience cultural events, which are integral to a wholesome residency experience 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program, candidates must have completed the necessary medical education prerequisites and a minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE). The program is highly competitive, accepting only nine residents each year. Residency applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and interviews are scheduled using the Thalamus system 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship, which is commonly utilized for international medical graduates (IMGs). This visa facilitates residency in the U.S. for eligible candidates, supporting the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion within its resident cohort 1.

Diversity and Competitiveness

The Ochsner Emergency Medicine Residency Program is known for being inclusive and supportive of diverse candidates, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those from osteopathic backgrounds. Its welcoming environment fosters collaboration and a rich learning atmosphere where residents can thrive and develop into proficient emergency medicine practitioners 1.