San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program

The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) Internal Medicine Residency Program located at JBSA Fort Sam Houston is a distinguished military medical training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). With a program length of three years, it is designed solely for active duty members of the U.S. Military who have completed medical school. The program accommodates a total approved complement of 96 residents, offering a comprehensive training experience within the Department of Defense (DOD).

Established in 1958, the SAUSHEC Internal Medicine Residency is the largest graduate medical education training program across all specialties within the DOD. It uniquely combines the expertise of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, providing residents with the distinctive advantage of training in a collaborative military environment. San Antonio, recognized as Military City, USA, hosts unparalleled clinical experiences at the Brooke Army Medical Center, which is the DOD's largest and most comprehensive medical center. This facility includes DOD's only Level 1 Trauma Center, Bone Marrow Transplant Team, and advanced Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) capabilities, ensuring residents gain extensive exposure to a wide variety of clinical specialties and rotations.

The program prides itself on cultivating not only clinical excellence but also a strong sense of community among residents, creating a tight-knit residency family. The resident experience is supplemented by the vibrant cultural environment in San Antonio, which is marked by its rich diversity, sports, and culinary offerings, as well as its temperate climate and proximity to natural attractions.

Mission, Vision, and Educational Aims

The SAUSHEC Internal Medicine program is deeply committed to training clinically excellent, mission-ready, and humanistic internists. It aims to be the premier choice for military medical students interested in internal medicine through resident-centered education. Key educational aims include:

• Clinical Excellence: Ensuring residents acquire the necessary cognitive and clinical skills for effective patient care.
• Medical Education: Emphasizing the importance of teaching, with residents instructing future clinicians.
• Scholarship: Encouraging active participation in research and the advancement of medical knowledge.
• Readiness: Training residents to be prepared medical forces capable of serving in various roles.
• Leadership: Developing leadership skills essential for guiding multidisciplinary teams and healthcare organizations.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured around an X+Y academic schedule, alternating between varied 4-week rotations and 1-week blocks of ambulatory clinic time. This approach facilitates mastery of both inpatient and outpatient care. All rotations operate on day/night shift models of 12 hours or less.

Residents will engage in a robust academic conference schedule featuring high-yield board reviews, specialty updates, and case presentations. There is a dedicated academic half-day each week whereby residents participate in small-group case-based learning and simulation training.

Mandatory rotations at the program shall include ward medicine, intensive care, and subspecialty exposures, while elective options encompass fields such as cardiology, oncology, and infectious diseases. The program will not implement 24-hour call shifts, focusing instead on a balanced work schedule with designated days off.

Research and Scholarly Activities

SAUSHEC takes a proactive stance towards scholarship, mandating each categorical resident to engage in research and scholarly activities. Residents must complete an evidence-based presentation and a graduation paper, and accrue scholarly activity points through diverse projects related to quality improvement and patient safety. Ample financial support is provided for residents to present their findings at national conferences.

Competitive Nature and Application Requirements

The program is characterized by its competitive nature, welcoming both U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force applicants. There are specific application requirements, including being an active duty service member and the completion of pre-requisite military training as required. Visa sponsorship options may be presented for applicants from outside the U.S. Military context as needed. However, eligibility for international applicants tends to be case-specific and contingent upon military regulations.

Well-Being and Work-Life Balance

The program emphasizes resident well-being, ensuring that residents have an adequate work-life balance. Residents are granted one day off per week on inpatient rotations and two days off during outpatient rotations. Furthermore, residents receive substantial leave entitlements for personal, family, or medical emergencies, as well as parental leave, supported by various wellness resources.

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

At SAUSHEC, education is paramount. Residents can engage in formal teaching roles for medical students, participate in committees, and receive formal mentorship from faculty members who represent a wide array of subspecialties. Teaching opportunities will allow residents to enhance their educational and leadership skills.