Southeastern Regional Medical Center Program

Emergency Medicine residency program at Southeastern Regional Medical Center (SRMC) in Lumberton, North Carolina, emphasizes an engaging and immersive learning environment designed to produce competent and compassionate emergency physicians. The residency program is recognized for its unique attributes, teaching methods, and community engagement, which foster both professional and personal growth among its residents.

Program Highlights

The Emergency Medicine residency program is fully accredited by the ACGME and now offers a comprehensive 3-year curriculum. It is designed to cultivate excellence in various domains, including:

• Clinical Excellence Tracks: Available tracks include Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Ultrasound, and Medical Education/Simulation.
• High Procedure Volume: Residents achieve many of their procedural graduation requirements during the PGY-1 year due to the high-volume nature of the emergency department.
• Dedicated Emergency Ultrasound Rotation: Residents participate in an ultrasound rotation that adheres to ACEP standards, completing over 150 scans during their training.

Even though SRMC is not a designated trauma center, it manages a significant number of both blunt and penetrating trauma cases. The emergency department also treats a substantial volume of pediatric trauma, making it an ideal training ground for comprehensive emergency medical education.

Curriculum and Didactics

Didactic learning occurs every Wednesday morning from 8 AM to 1 PM, a session designated as "protected time" to ensure that residents can focus on education without clinical responsibilities. This curriculum is rich with varied content including:

• Faculty lectures
• Case presentations
• Board review sessions
• Hands-on training and guest lectures

Residents are encouraged to actively participate, and rotating medical students are welcomed to join these sessions, providing valuable exposure to the field of emergency medicine.

Community and Patient Population

The residency program operates within a rural, racially diverse community. Lumberton, identified as the poorest and unhealthiest county in North Carolina, presents a patient population characterized by complex medical and social conditions. This environment allows residents to gain substantive exposure to varied presentations of medical emergencies, enhancing their clinical acumen through real-world practice.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program's faculty possess diverse interests and specialties in emergency medicine, and they are dedicated to teaching and mentorship. Faculty members engage in relationships with residents, facilitating a supportive atmosphere through regular interactions, feedback, and teamwork. This collaborative spirit is essential for fostering a positive training experience.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Active participation in research and scholarly endeavors is encouraged among residents. Faculty and residents are involved in various projects which contribute to the broader body of knowledge in emergency medicine, ranging from contemporary practices to emerging clinical challenges.

Benefits and Support

Residents enjoy a competitive salary structure:

• PGY1: $57,138.00
• PGY2: $59,093.00
• PGY3: $61,152.00

Other program benefits include a $1500 annual medical education stipend, a monthly cell phone stipend, meal stipend, and 21 days of paid vacation yearly. Additionally, SRMC provides residents with a coat and program jacket upon their arrival.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs). Visa sponsorship options available include H-1B and J-1 visas, facilitating participation from diverse backgrounds. The program is evaluated as being competitive yet friendly towards DO and IMG applicants. Special application requirements may include limitations on the maximum number of failed STEP examinations and a preference for recent graduates, reflecting the program's commitment to maintaining high standards among its residents.

Additional Information

UNC Health Southeastern is a critical access hospital facilitating a substantial 60,000 emergency department visits each year, thus providing residents with vast clinical exposure and training opportunities. The program is also known for its collaborative relationships with institutions such as Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, enhancing educational and clinical resources available to residents.