Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Internal Medicine Residency Overview

The Internal Medicine Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a categorical program that spans three years and is accredited by the ACGME. The program admits 21 residents annually, supplemented by a one-year Preliminary Medicine Residency program for seven residents and two residents each year joining the ABIM Internal Medicine Research Pathway.

This residency fundamentally aims to train proficient, patient-centered internal medicine physicians through a challenging and diverse environment.

Training Sites and Opportunities

Residents train at several diverse sites including:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Lebanon VA Medical Center
• Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
• Multiple outpatient community sites

This exposure allows residents to manage complex cases across different health care settings, benefiting from a range of patient demographics and medical case variations.

Curriculum and Scheduling

The residency utilizes a unique 4+2+2 scheduling model, alternating between four weeks of inpatient service, two weeks of elective rotations, and two weeks of dedicated time in ambulatory clinics. This structure allows residents to maintain continuity of care while engaging in comprehensive education.

Additionally, the curriculum includes protected academic half-days that are dedicated to learning without patient care responsibilities, providing a structured environment for academic growth.

Educational Framework

The program features various specialized tracks that residents can apply for, which include:

• Primary Care
• Hospitalist
• Longitudinal Research
• Hippocrates Medical Education
• ABIM Research
• Health Systems Science
• Clinician Educator
• Global Health & Health Inequities

This flexibility enables residents to align their training with their professional goals and interests. The curriculum integrates hands-on opportunities such as a 36-month point-of-care ultrasound training along with direct patient interactions in outpatient and inpatient contexts.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The Internal Medicine Residency program encourages research, underscored by a third assistant program director position focused on resident research initiatives. Residents have the opportunity to participate in longitudinal research projects, facilitated by dedicated time in their schedules and mentorship from faculty. The program supports applications for the ABIM Internal Medicine Research Pathway which offers accelerated training and funding for research activities.

Wellness Initiatives

Penn State is committed to resident wellness. The program features a comprehensive wellness initiative that includes regular wellness retreats and support for emotional, spiritual, and social health. Instruction in recognizing and coping with burnout is integrated into the program, fostering resilience among residents.

Diversity and Inclusion

The residency program prioritizes diversity and inclusion, with active efforts to recruit residents from diverse backgrounds. Various resources and support groups are available to promote a culture of inclusiveness and equity within the residency.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through ERAS, with a general requirement for a minimum USMLE score of 200. The program primarily sponsors J-1 visas for international candidates. Applicants are required to submit a chair’s letter and two additional letters of recommendation, further emphasizing a holistic admission review process.

Competitiveness

The Internal Medicine Residency is notably competitive with a high match rate into subspecialty fellowships, reflecting the strong training foundation it provides. Residents consistently match well in competitive fields, benefiting from the program's comprehensive training and supportive environment.

Overall, the Penn State Internal Medicine Residency trains not only clinicians but also compassionate leaders capable of navigating the complexities of modern healthcare systems.