The Southwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium Program inInternal Medicine at Palmdale offers a comprehensive trainingexperience for medical graduates seeking to develop their skillsand knowledge in internal medicine. With a focus on providinghigh-quality clinical education, the program emphasizes a balancedapproach between hands-on training, mentorship, and scientificinquiry.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum at the Southwest Healthcare Medical EducationConsortium encompasses a wide array of educational componentsdesigned to prepare residents for a diverse set of clinicalchallenges. The curriculum includes structured didactic sessions,case discussions, and workshops which cover core internal medicinetopics, current medical literature, and advancements in patientcare.
Residents engage in weekly conferences that provideopportunities for learning about case management, clinicalreasoning, and in-depth discussions on complex medical issues. Thecurriculum also incorporates board review sessions to ensure thatresidents are well-prepared for the American Board of InternalMedicine certification examination.
1Clinical Rotations
The program provides residents with diverse clinical rotationsacross various specialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology,endocrinology, and pulmonary medicine. In addition to inpatienttraining at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, residents also haveopportunities for outpatient clinics that facilitate exposure toprimary care and subspecialty practices.
During the second and third years of training, residents areencouraged to pursue elective rotations in areas of specificinterest, allowing for personal and professional growth. Thisflexibility supports the development of individualized learningpathways tailored to residents' career aspirations.
2Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of the residency training,where residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities,including but not limited to clinical research, quality improvementprojects, and presentations at national conferences. The programfosters a culture of inquiry and provides resources to supportresidents in their research endeavors.
Residents may work closely with faculty mentors to exploretopics in internal medicine that intrigue them or can contribute totheir understanding of clinical practice. Additionally, the programoften facilitates access to institutional research databases andfunding opportunities for graduate projects.
2Unique Aspects of the Program
The Southwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium stands outfor its commitment to creating a collaborative and supportivelearning environment. The program prioritizes resident well-beingand professional development through various initiatives such aswellness programs, mentorship programs, and social events thatpromote camaraderie among residents.
Furthermore, the program's location in Palmdale offers residentsaccess to a diverse patient population, which enriches clinicalexperience and cultural competency. Residents experience firsthandthe impact of social determinants of health, enhancing theirability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
1Training Sites
Training primarily occurs at Palmdale Regional Medical Center,known for its comprehensive medical services and a robust array ofhealthcare specialists. Residents gain exposure to various clinicalenvironments which prepares them for the challenges of contemporarymedicine.
The program also partners with community clinics and inpatientfacilities to amplify the breadth of clinical exposure, ensuring awell-rounded training experience across multiple healthcaresettings.
2Visa Sponsorship
The Southwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium Program issupportive of international medical graduates seeking residencypositions. The program offers visa sponsorship options, includingJ-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating varying needs of candidateswishing to pursue their medical education in the United States.
1Program Competitiveness
The program is considered highly competitive, attracting a broadrange of applicants from diverse medical backgrounds. Importantly,the institution is known to be friendly to both DO and IMGapplicants. Various factors contribute to the strength of theapplicant pool, including robust training opportunities,mentorship, and a strong focus on resident wellness.
1Application Requirements
Applicants to the program are generally expected to havegraduated from medical school within a certain time frame, withmaximum allowable years being specified by the program.Additionally, candidates should have completed their USMLE orCOMLEX examinations, with limitations on the number of attemptstypically outlined in the application materials. These factors aretaken into consideration to ensure that applicants possess therequisite foundation for success in residency training.
2Web Sources
Accreditation History
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Director
- Name
- Mario Affinati, MD
- Position
- Program Director (.70 FTE)
- Appointed Since
- Â (Since September 2024)
Coordinator
- Name
- Kersti Jose
- Position
- Program Coordinator
- Phone Number
Program
Program Size
- 0, 0, 0 (3 years)
- Accreditation Status
- Initial Accreditation Since September 2024
Composition
- -
Training
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
68 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
12 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$66,560First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
5 daysAdmission
Incoming Schools
No data available for Incoming Schools
Race / Ethnicity
No data available for Race / Ethnicity
Gender
No data available for Gender
Rotation Duration by Site
2025 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
No 2025 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score
No data available for USMLE STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score
No data available for COMLEX Level 2 Score
Match History
Track: 2213140C1
2025
12 of 12Location
Saint Louis, MO
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