Orlando Health Program

The Orlando Health Emergency Medicine Residency Program is a distinguished three-year residency developed to produce highly skilled leaders in the field of Emergency Medicine. Established in 1986, the program focuses on providing a diverse patient mix, exceptional clinical and academic training, and fostering a supportive culture. The residency has cultivated a family-like atmosphere among its residents, promoting camaraderie and ensuring a fulfilling living experience in Central Florida.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum is structured into thirteen 4-week blocks annually. In the first year (PGY-1), residents undergo a variety of rotations including orientation, emergency department (ED), pediatric ED, obstetrics, orthopedics, anesthesia/ultrasound, pediatric NICU, medical ICU, and trauma surgery. Progressing into the second year (PGY-2), residents participate in seven blocks of emergency medicine along with rotations in adult and surgical ICUs, pediatric ICU, and an elective. The final year (PGY-3) consists primarily of ED blocks but incorporates a teaching resident role, community ED, and electives. The program emphasizes a high volume of clinical exposure, with over 155,000 visits per year across its affiliated hospitals.

Training Sites

Residents primarily train at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, both of which are designated Level 1 Trauma Centers. Additionally, rotations extend to Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and South Seminole Hospital. ORMC itself receives around 107,000 ED visits annually, contributing to its robust training in emergency medicine.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a crucial role in the residency program, with a strong focus on evidence-based medicine and research integration in clinical training. Residents are encouraged to pursue scholarly projects that contribute to their career goals, whether they aim to be clinicians, educators, or academic researchers. Each resident is required to complete at least one scholarly project ahead of graduation, supported by faculty mentorship throughout the process.

Unique Program Features

The Orlando Health program is recognized for its innovative "Tribrid" training model, which encompasses academic, county, and community service experiences. Additionally, it has achieved a commendable first-time pass rate of 100% for EM board certifications historically. The program offers fellowships in various specialized areas including Emergency Medical Services, Pediatrics, and Ultrasound.

Application Information

The program is highly competitive, primarily accepting graduates from accredited medical schools and requiring successful completion of the USMLE exams. Submissions must be made via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) being mandatory. Notably, the program does not sponsor any visas; therefore, applicants must possess valid US citizenship or a J-1 visa for application eligibility.

Resident Life

Residents in the program enjoy a vibrant community with numerous activities aimed at fostering team spirit and work-life harmony. These include social events, sports activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community. Residents engage in various recreational events throughout the year, offering a fun and collaborative environment.

Benefits and Support

Residents receive competitive salaries, starting at $60,200 for the first year, increasing annually. The program also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being, providing various resources and support systems to ensure resident health and job satisfaction.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is characterized as highly competitive, favoring candidates with strong academic backgrounds and USMLE scores. While no maximum failed STEP exam score is specified, applicants are advised to present their strongest qualifications. Additionally, the residency accepts osteopathic applicants only with USMLE scores, explicitly excluding COMLEX scores.