SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program that has been shaping skilled internal medicine physicians since 1964. This program is dedicated to providing residents with a high-quality educational experience, emphasizing both inpatient and outpatient care while fostering an environment that supports personal and professional growth.
Program Overview
The Internal Medicine Residency Program at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital is designed for those committed to a career in general internal medicine. The program is structured to include three years of training with a total of ten PGY-1 categorical positions available each year. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and has a commendable pass rate of approximately 90% for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification examination as of recent years 8.
Curriculum
The educational structure of the residency program emphasizes the ACGME competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal communication skills, systems-based practice, professionalism, and practice-based learning. The curriculum is organized into a “4+1” block system, allowing residents to experience immersive in-patient or elective rotations followed by one week dedicated to outpatient internal medicine clinics. This system is particularly focused on providing continuity of care and a strong foundation in primary care 4.
Clinical Rotations
Residents engage in a variety of clinical rotations across numerous specialties including but not limited to cardiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and infectious diseases. There is also dedicated time spent in critical care and outpatient/internal medicine clinics, where residents provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population 4.
Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
The SSM Health St. Mary's program places a strong emphasis on patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI). Residents are trained in concepts such as root cause analysis, utilization of event reporting systems, and quality improvement project formulation. Continuous improvement and safety are embedded in the daily operations of the program, preparing residents to contribute effectively to healthcare systems 6.
Research Opportunities
Engagement in research is a key component of the residency. Residents are required to participate in research activities, which may include case reports, posters for competitions, or larger institutional projects. Mentorship from core faculty members is provided, and residents can invest time away from clinical duties to focus on research initiatives 5.
Benefits and Support
Residents at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital receive competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, vacation time, professional development funding, and more. The institution also sponsors H-1B and J-1 visas for international medical graduates, reflecting its commitment to a diverse resident population 3.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The program's internal medicine clinic serves a vulnerable population, with a significant portion of patients being underinsured or uninsured. This aspect not only allows residents to cultivate crucial patient relationships but also contributes to reducing healthcare disparities in the community 7. Residents are involved in various community outreach initiatives, enhancing their understanding of population health and addressing social determinants of health.
Residency Competition and Application Requirements
The SSM Health St. Mary's residency program is considered competitive. Applicants should have USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores of 230 or above and must pass the Step 2 Clinical Skills on the first attempt. Graduates from medical school within the last 5-7 years are preferred, and an ECFMG certification is required by match day. Notably, the program does not offer externship or observership opportunities 2.
Contact and Location
As an affiliated teaching hospital of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital enhances the learning experience for residents by integrating educational opportunities with clinical practice in a supportive environment. This affiliation allows for interaction with third and fourth-year medical students from the university, enriching the collaborative educational atmosphere 9.
Website
- 1 .Internal Medicine Residency Program Overview
- 2 .Application Process for Internal Medicine Residency
- 3 .Benefits of SSM Health St. Mary's Internal Medicine Residency
- 4 .Curriculum of Internal Medicine Residency
- 5 .Research in Internal Medicine Residency
- 6 .Patient Safety & Quality Improvement in Curriculum
Director
Helen Kornblum, MDProgram Director Appointed Since September 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$52,500First Year Paid Vacation:
21 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
20%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
230Visa Sponsorship:
H1B, J1, F1YOG Cutoff:
5Match History
1999140C0
2024
9 of 92023
9 of 92022
10 of 102021
10 of 102020
10 of 10Location
St. Louis, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a diverse city offering a mix of urban and suburban living. Here is an overview of different aspects of living in St. Louis:
- Crime Rate and Safety: St. Louis has areas with varying crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, the city has made improvements in safety but like any big city, precautions are still necessary.
- Fun Activities: St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, diverse food scene, museums, and sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues. There are also many parks and outdoor recreational activities available.
- Climate: St. Louis experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant.
- Races and Population: St. Louis has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural scene.
- Education: St. Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for continuing education and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: St. Louis is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, and a 5-hour drive from Kansas City, MO. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural experiences, plenty of outdoor activities.
Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
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