SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Saint Louis, MOSpecialty:
Geriatric medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1512821095The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program in Geriatric Medicine is designed to provide comprehensive training for physicians who are passionate about internal medicine, particularly focused on the care of older adults. The program emphasizes top-quality education, rich patient experiences, and a collaborative learning environment.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is developed around a core philosophy that encompasses both the biological basis of disease and the patient-centered approach that the Jesuit tradition embodies. Training includes extensive didactic sessions complemented by hands-on clinical experiences. Rotations are strategically scheduled to ensure residents acquire the necessary knowledge and skills at each residency stage.
1Throughout the residency, residents will engage in various clinical settings, including SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and VA Saint Louis Health Care System. This exposure allows residents to manage a diverse patient population and gain experience with numerous medical conditions prevalent among the elderly, including complex chronic illnesses.
Clinical Rotations
The program provides an organized series of rotations designed to expose residents to essential core specialties, including but not limited to cardiology, geriatrics, and palliative care. During the first year, residents participate in intensive internal medicine rotations, which involve working closely with attending physicians and other health care professionals. Senior residents typically take on leadership roles on the teaching teams and are tasked with guiding interns while ensuring quality patient care.
1Rotations across various clinics focus on the assessment, treatment, and management of geriatric patients, and include outpatient continuity clinics designed to develop residents' competencies in ambulatory medicine.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages resident involvement in scholarly activities, with ample opportunities for research in geriatrics and interprofessional education. Under the ASSIST program, residents are mentored through the process of researching and presenting their findings at national and regional conferences. Feedback from faculty is vital, with dedicated sessions aimed at enhancing research skills, from project conception to implementation and presentation.
1Research opportunities may include various geriatric-centered projects, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary studies that enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One distinctive feature of the program is the emphasis on teamwork. The residency fosters a culture of collegiality among peers, which is crucial in the dynamic medical field. The program also integrates a mentorship model, where each resident is paired with a faculty mentor to support their professional development throughout the training period.
1Moreover, the program offers specialized tracks focused on primary care or hospital medicine, catering to individual interests within the field of internal medicine.
Training Sites
Residents gain practical experience through rotations predominantly at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, along with the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. The diversity of these sites provides residents with unique patient interactions ranging from acute hospital care to chronic outpatient management.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), which may include sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This commitment enhances the program's dedication to fostering a diverse learning environment, aligned with its inclusivity goals.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is known to be highly competitive. It is suitable for both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates, demonstrating a welcoming stance towards DO and IMG candidates. Applicants typically need to have graduated from medical school within the past five years, along with valid clinical experience in the U.S. healthcare system. The program prefers that applicants have a USMLE Step 1 score greater than 220, and a Step 2 score over 230. Multiple fails on certification exams are a barrier to acceptance.2
Website
Director
Lina M Toledo-Franco, MDGeriatric Medicine Program Director Appointed Since July 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,342First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
St. Louis, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Saint Louis, MO
- Crime Rate and Safety: Saint Louis has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's important to choose your neighborhood wisely. Overall, the safety can vary depending on the specific area.
- Fun Activities: Saint Louis offers a variety of cultural attractions, like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the Saint Louis Zoo. There are also many restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Climate: Summers in Saint Louis are hot and humid, while winters can be cold. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures.
- Races and Population: The population of Saint Louis is diverse, with a mix of different racial and ethnic groups.
- Education: Saint Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Saint Louis is relatively low compared to other major cities in the US.
- Nearby Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Chicago, IL (about 4.5 hours by car) and Indianapolis, IN (about 4 hours by car).
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, cultural attractions.
- Cons: Certain areas may have higher crime rates, weather extremes.
Interview Questions
