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

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Prisma Health, affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, offers a comprehensive and highly regarded educational experience for residents. Established in 1976, this program is committed to training outstanding internists who are well-prepared for careers in primary care, hospital medicine, and subspecialty fellowships. The residency emphasizes a robust education in both general and subspecialty medicine through a curriculum designed to provide personalized pathways including elective choices, such as hospital medicine, primary care, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).

Prisma Health operates the largest nonprofit healthcare system in South Carolina, functioning as both a safety net hospital and a tertiary referral center, thus providing residents with exposure to a diverse patient population. Residents are primarily trained at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, a 746-bed facility that offers extensive clinical experiences.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program is structured across three years with a focus on progressive learning and increasing autonomy. The PGY-1 year is concentrated on establishing essential skills in general internal medicine. As residents advance to the PGY-2 year, they shift towards high-acuity care and take on leadership roles within their teams. The PGY-3 year offers significant flexibility for electives, allowing senior residents to tailor their experiences in accordance with their career aspirations. Each year includes dedicated blocks for research, educational seminars, and board preparation to ensure a well-rounded training experience 1.

The educational experience is complemented by a variety of didactic sessions including morning reports, noon conferences, and academic half-days focused on interactive learning and skill development. The program prioritizes teaching, with residents often serving as mentors to medical students and leading discussions during their clinical rotations and didactic sessions 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the residency program. Residents have the opportunity to engage in quality improvement initiatives and innovative research projects. Each resident is allocated a dedicated two-week research block annually, during which they can pursue a research project with faculty mentorship. Opportunities to present findings at conferences such as the South Carolina ACP conference and national meetings are readily available, with funding support for those who present 3.

Mentorship and Support

Throughout the residency, each resident is paired with a faculty mentor from day one, who guides them along their professional journey. The program encapsulates the values of purposeful curiosity, progressive autonomy, and individualized mentorship, striving to develop physicians who are not only competent but also advocates for healthcare improvement 4. The leadership team includes several distinguished faculty members committed to fostering an encouraging and educational environment.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that these elements are essential in fostering a supportive learning environment. Efforts are made to recruit underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) and to create an anti-racist and inclusive curriculum. These initiatives include early connections with URiM students, design of an anti-racist curriculum, and active participation in various DEI-focused committees 5.

Application Process

To apply for the residency program, applicants must do so through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and be enrolled in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The program has specific requirements which include the completion of medical school within the past three years, possession of ECFMG certification for international applicants, and at least three letters of recommendation—one of which must be a DOM Summary Letter of Evaluation. The program only sponsors J-1 visas and applicants are encouraged to have recent clinical experience within the U.S. 6

Competitiveness

The Prisma Health Internal Medicine Residency program is competitive, attracting both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. Applications are evaluated holistically, considering academic achievements, recommendation letters, and other professional qualifications, which promotes a diverse candidate pool.

Resident Wellness and Support

The residency emphasizes resident wellness through competitive benefits and a supportive training environment aimed at maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Residents participate in regular check-ins with program leadership and have access to wellness resources 7. The overall training experience is designed not only to produce exceptional internists but also to ensure that residents enjoy their educational journey.