Riverside Regional Medical Center Program

The Internal Medicine Residency at Riverside Regional Medical Center is a unique and comprehensive program designed to train aspiring healthcare professionals in a community-based environment. With a strong emphasis on compassionate, whole-person care, the program offers residents the opportunity to serve a diverse patient population. Notably, Riverside is committed to fostering camaraderie and resiliency among its residents, which is particularly important for stress management in a challenging field.

Program Overview

The residency program adopts a structured 6+2 curriculum, where every fourth 2-week block is an ambulatory block that allows residents to manage their own panel of patients. This structured program balances inpatient and outpatient care, enabling residents to develop a wide range of clinical skills. The program also offers dedicated didactic sessions, which include lectures, Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality conferences, Journal Clubs, and Simulation Training, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Riverside's state-of-the-art Simulation Center, exceeding 8,000 square feet, is equipped with high-fidelity models to enhance the learning experience. Additionally, each resident receives a subscription to the Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP) to aid in board preparation.5

Elective Rotations

Residents have the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective rotations, including:

• Cardiology
• Critical Care
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Disease
• Nephrology
• Oncology/Hematology
• Palliative Care
• Pulmonology
• Rheumatology

This diverse array of elective options allows residents to tailor their training according to their interests and career goals.

Clinical Faculty

The program prides itself on its dedicated clinical faculty, who are deeply invested in the education and mentoring of residents. Faculty members bring extensive experience and expertise in various subspecialties, ensuring that residents receive high-quality instruction and guidance throughout their training period. Noteworthy faculty members include:

• Meredith A. Hays, DO, MPH, FACP - Program Director, who has a rich background in Internal Medicine and Palliative Care.
• Alexandra Ward, MD, FACC - Associate Program Director and medical director for the Riverside Women's Heart Center.
• Dr. Alison Helmkamp, DO - Associate Program Director specializing in outpatient care.
• Farhod Djuraev, MD - Core Faculty member with a focus on hospitalist medicine.

These faculty members not only contribute to the academic component of the residency but also foster a supportive and collaborative environment.

Resident Benefits and Wellness

To ensure resident wellness, the program includes various benefits such as:

• A competitive salary structure for PGY1 to PGY3 residents.
• Comprehensive medical and pharmacy insurance after 30 days of employment.
• Paid time off (PTO) plans and sick leave.
• Access to wellness and fitness programs, providing resources for mental and physical well-being.

These benefits help to promote a well-rounded lifestyle for residents, which is essential in the demanding field of Medicine.

Application Requirements

All applications for the residency program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key application components include:

• A completed ERAS Application Form with CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation from recently involved clinical supervisors.
• Medical school transcripts and board scores (USMLE or COMLEX) with specifics on failed attempts.
• Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including passing all required exams within a limited number of attempts, and must be eligible for interviews.

Furthermore, the program participates in the Couples Match and can sponsor a limited number of J-1 visa applicants, making it accessible for international medical graduates.4

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Riverside Regional Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency is considered competitive. The program is supportive of both DO and IMG candidates, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in its selection process, and values diverse backgrounds.