Rush University Medical Center Program

The Rush University Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program is a comprehensive three-year training program designed to cultivate exceptional emergency physicians. The program emphasizes high-value, patient-centered care, preparing residents through a robust curriculum which includes significant clinical exposure, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences in a technologically advanced environment.

Curriculum

The curriculum spans 36 months and is specifically structured to ensure residents gain extensive exposure to various facets of Emergency Medicine. The program reconfigures the traditional internship year, dedicating more than two-thirds of the first year to Emergency Medicine rotations, thereby allowing early immersion in critical patient care from the outset. Such a focus enhances the overall competency of residents, as they gain essential skills while simultaneously developing as independent practitioners.

During the first year, residents participate in an orientation block that provides foundational knowledge and procedural skills crucial to Emergency Medicine. Core rotations include practical experience in trauma and emergency medicine at facilities like Mount Sinai Hospital and RUSH University Medical Center, complemented by hands-on didactics in simulation labs.

As second-year residents, individuals manage critically ill patients actively in the RUMC ED, while also gaining valuable community experience through a block at RUSH Copley ED. The final year focuses on supervisory roles, allowing residents to oversee junior colleagues and refine their leadership skills in preparing to practice as attendings.

Clinical Rotations

The primary training venue, RUSH University Medical Center, is a 676-bed academic hospital that serves a diverse urban population. The medical center handles around 74,000 patient visits annually, exposing residents to a wide array of clinical scenarios. Additional rotations occur in multiple other community settings, including:

• RUSH Copley Medical Center: This hospital serves 70,000 patients yearly and provides critical experience in community emergency medicine.
• Mount Sinai Hospital: As a Level 1 Trauma Center, this facility allows residents to engage with complex trauma cases and critical resuscitation.
• Advocate Lutheran General Hospital: This advanced healthcare facility offers cutting-edge medical technology and clinical excellence across various specialties.

Research Opportunities

Residents have ample opportunities to engage in scholarly activities throughout the program, including potential participation in the Simulation Fellowship, which emphasizes research mentorship and collaborative educational efforts. The program encourages residents to develop research projects, attend conferences, and submit abstracts, providing a comprehensive foundation for future medical education engagement.

Unique Program Features

The RUSH Emergency Medicine Residency boasts a few distinctive attributes:

• Health Equity Focus: An embedded Division of Health Equity drives initiatives addressing structural inequities in healthcare, encouraging participation in programs related to social emergency medicine and community health.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The program emphasizes building an inclusive environment, actively supporting residents from diverse backgrounds including underrepresented minorities.
• Joint Wellness Initiatives: A dedicated wellness committee collaborates to facilitate resident happiness and mental health support throughout their training.

Benefits and Support

Residents in the program are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, most at no cost for individual coverage.
• Free parking access, funds for educational meetings (up to $1,000 annually), and support for presenting research at regional/national gatherings.
• Malpractice insurance and basic life insurance.
• Access to the RUSH Center for Clinical Wellness, promoting residents' mental health through counseling, coaching, and relaxation services.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is supportive of international graduates seeking medical training in the U.S. and can sponsor visas, accommodating those requiring J-1 or H-1B visas for residency.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The RUSH Emergency Medicine residency is considered highly competitive, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DOs. Specific application requirements include:

• USMLE or COMLEX Step 1 scores are required upon application; Step 2 scores must be provided prior to ranking.
• A minimum of one Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) is encouraged if an EM rotation has been completed.