Rochester Regional Health/Unity Hospital (Rochester) Program

Unity Hospital’s Internal Medicine Residency Program is an accredited program with a rich history, marking its 80th year of training competent healthcare professionals in both academic and clinical settings. Over the past two decades, Unity Hospital has undergone extensive renovations to provide a modern teaching environment, featuring state-of-the-art educational resources and clinical information systems, ensuring residents are well-prepared to deliver high-quality healthcare.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Internal Medicine Residency at Unity Hospital adopts a 4+1 block schedule, wherein residents typically engage in four weeks of rotation in various settings—including inpatient floors, the ICU, and elective rotations—followed by one week dedicated to outpatient ambulatory clinic experiences. The alternating structure is designed to enhance inpatient and outpatient learning over the three years of residency. This format has positively impacted both resident satisfaction and faculty feedback since its introduction.

Key to the curriculum is exposure to diverse clinical settings, fostering the necessary skills for comprehensive patient care. Residents also have the opportunity to engage in scholarly activities and various electives to tailor their educational experiences to future career goals.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participation in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) is mandatory. The deadline for applications is December 31, with interviews typically held from November 1 to January 31. Selection criteria include evaluation of medical school transcripts, MSPE/Dean’s letter, letters of recommendation, clinical experiences, and USMLE scores. The program welcomes applications from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and sponsors J1 and H1-B visas, with the stipulation that a passing USMLE Step 3 score is required for H1-B visa sponsorship by Match Day.

Particular requirements include having graduated from medical school within the last five years and obtaining ECFMG certification prior to starting the residency. All candidates are expected to provide three letters of recommendation, with at least one from the Chair of Medicine, in addition to a Dean’s letter and a personal statement.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents at Unity Hospital benefit from a competitive compensation structure, along with a range of support services. For the 2024-2025 academic year, PGY-1 residents will receive a salary of $70,000, which increases in subsequent years (PGY-2: $72,000; PGY-3: $75,000). Additionally, residents are allocated annual educational allowances for resources and conference attendance, alongside a meal allowance during on-call shifts.

Other benefits include comprehensive medical and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans, life insurance, professional liability coverage, childcare services, and access to a wellness center. Unity Hospital values work-life balance and provides four weeks of paid vacation annually.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program prioritizes diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all residents feel welcome and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. The program believes that collective diversity enriches the educational experience and improves patient outcomes.

Housing and Local Community

Residents have access to various attractive and affordable housing options near Unity Hospital, promoting a comfortable living experience. The Greater Rochester area offers a rich blend of cultural and educational experiences, complemented by outdoor recreational opportunities in the picturesque Finger Lakes region.

Graduates of the program have proceeded to secure fellowships in prestigious institutions and have entered various medical fields, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing residents for successful careers in medicine.