Rush University Medical Center Program

The Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program at RUSH University Medical Center is designed to cultivate well-rounded clinicians dedicated to providing comprehensive care to diverse populations. This dynamic program merges two categorical residency programs, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and has been a crucial component of RUSH's graduate medical education since its inception. The Med-Peds program is particularly recognized for its commitment to community engagement and high-quality training opportunities

Curriculum

The residency curriculum is structured around an innovative X+Y+Z system, comprising 26 blocks of two-week rotations per academic year. Key training locations include RUSH University Medical Center, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and the RUSH Adult and Pediatric Primary Care Clinic, which enables residents to gain a robust clinical experience across inpatient and outpatient settings. The guidelines set by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics shape the curriculum to ensure it meets the competencies required for Med-Peds training

Rotations

Residents participate in rotations that alternate every three months between internal medicine and pediatrics during their initial year. For the subsequent years, rotations can be scheduled as frequently as every one to two months, allowing residents to tailor their training according to their interests. Opportunities for research blocks and away rotations are also available, ensuring that residents are equipped with a broad spectrum of experiences

Track Opportunities

The program offers specialized tracks such as Medical Education and Health Equity, which are designed for residents to deepen their expertise in specific areas.

The Medical Education track focuses on developing educational skills for future careers in academic medicine. It includes teaching opportunities, the chance to work alongside academic leaders, and the opportunity to participate in scholarly projects related to medical education. Similarly, the Health Equity track empowers residents to tackle health disparities and promote community health advocacy. These opportunities enrich the overall residency experience and allow participants to make meaningful impacts in healthcare settings.

Community Engagement

RUSH University Medical Center actively engages with local communities, an initiative that profoundly influences the residency training. The Med-Peds program places great emphasis on serving diverse populations and encourages residents to participate in outreach and community service activities, nurturing their skills in cultural competency and patient-centered care.

Visa Support

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship, specifically for the J-1 and H-1B visas. This aspect makes the program accessible to a broader range of applicants, fostering a diverse residency cohort.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program is considered highly competitive, valuing applicants with diverse experiences alongside strong academic credentials. Generally, three to four letters of recommendation are required, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded application. Notably, departmental letters are not mandatory. Successful applicants typically demonstrate excellence in clinical medicine and a commitment to community service.

Specific prerequisites for applicants include a strong academic background, ideally in the upper tiers of their medical class. Candidates are advised to have comprehensive clinical experiences, as well as leadership roles during their medical training.

Clinical Training Sites

Training occurs at premier facilities such as RUSH University Medical Center, known for its commitment to innovative patient care and research. This environment provides residents a range of experiences in diverse clinical settings, across both adult and pediatric medicine. Residents also engage in the Med-Peds Continuity Clinic at the RUSH Adult and Pediatric Primary Care, allowing them to manage their patient panel from a cross-generational perspective.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities throughout their training. The program offers ample support for those interested in pursuing projects that may lead to presentations at conferences or publications in peer-reviewed journals. Research opportunities span various fields, including quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care.

Meet Our Residents and Alumni

The residency fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, with opportunities for peer support and mentorship from experienced faculty and graduates of the program. The alumni network of the Med-Peds program is extensive and serves as a testament to the quality of training provided, with many graduates achieving prestigious fellowships or positions in academics and practice.