Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Columbia (Columbia) Program

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia Internal Medicine Residency Program provides a comprehensive and structured educational experience for residents pursuing a career in internal medicine. This three-year, fully accredited program is designed to expose residents to a broad spectrum of primary care and subspecialty training, ensuring a well-rounded clinical education.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum spans 13 four-week blocks each year, wherein the majority of the time is allocated to inpatient wards and ambulatory clinics. The breakdown for residents is as follows:

• First Year: 6 blocks general medicine wards, 3 blocks ambulatory care, 2 blocks medical intensive care unit (MICU), and 2 elective blocks.
• Second Year: 2 blocks general medicine wards, 2 blocks MICU, 3 blocks ambulatory care, and 4 elective blocks.
• Third Year: 2 blocks general medicine wards, 3 blocks ambulatory care, 2 blocks day float/night float, 1 block emergency medicine, and 5 elective blocks.

Residents in the primary care track experience more outpatient training, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers as outpatient internal medicine practitioners or for subspecialties. The emphasis on outpatient experience is further integrated with a supportive mentorship program.

Rotations and Electives

The program's rotations include both inpatient and outpatient experiences. Key hospitals for training include Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the Dorn VA Medical Center, guaranteeing exposure to various patient populations and complexity of cases.

Electives are available in subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and infectious disease, among others. Unique opportunities such as wilderness medicine and global health are also offered, providing a comprehensive view of internal medicine practice.

Training Sites

Residents participate in diverse training sites that include:

• Prisma Health Richland Hospital - a leading academic teaching hospital
• Dorn VA Medical Center - providing care to veterans, enhancing exposure to diverse medical cases

These sites offer a mix of community and tertiary care experiences, fostering the development of well-rounded clinicians.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the program's standout features is its commitment to inter-professional health care training. This is complemented by an emphasis on the use of bedside ultrasound, which enhances diagnostic capabilities and improves patient care. Residents have ample opportunities to engage in various procedures, further enhancing their autonomy and confidence in clinical skills.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to participate in research, providing a robust platform for scholarly activity. Residents have access to resources that facilitate projects in various fields of internal medicine. The program fosters an environment where obtaining results through cooperative research is possible while balancing clinical duties.

Visa Support

Prisma Health primarily sponsors J1 visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet the program’s eligibility criteria, including graduation from an accredited medical school and receipt of a standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. Other visa types are not typically supported by the program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is recognized as highly competitive, welcoming candidates with diverse backgrounds, including osteopathic graduates and IMGs. A holistic review of applications is conducted, focusing on academic history, clinical experiences, and letters of recommendation.

Special application requirements include:

• All applicants must have graduated from a medical school recognized by the Council on Graduate Medical Education.
• International applicants are required to hold ECFMG certification.
• There is no maximum number of failed STEP exams outlined, but applicants must demonstrate general medical competency.

Resident Support and Life in Columbia

Residents benefit from a supportive environment that fosters camaraderie and collaboration. The academic atmosphere not only emphasizes education but also nurtures a healthy work-life balance. The Columbia area offers a vibrant community, rich in recreational activities, cultural events, and a friendly environment for newcomers.

Furthermore, residents are encouraged to participate in wellness activities and enrichment programs focusing on personal well-being and professional development.

This multifaceted training experience positions residents for successful careers in internal medicine, whether they aspire to practice as general internists or pursue various subspecialties.