St Agnes HealthCare Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Sapna Patel Kuehl, offers a comprehensive and active learning environment aimed at producing highly competent clinicians. The program emphasizes clinical diagnostic reasoning, problem-solving, and the practice of evidence-based medicine, integrating patient preference and clinician expertise with the best clinical research. It provides residents with personal support, top educational resources, and both didactic and bedside teaching. Faculty members are experienced, highly competent, and devoted to offering a comprehensive competency-based curriculum in internal medicine and its subspecialties.

The program values autonomy in patient care for the development of clinical skills while ensuring close faculty supervision and support. The curriculum is continuously updated to include foundational clinical skills, medical knowledge, professionalism, medical ethics, the business of healthcare, patient safety, quality improvement, evidence-based medicine, and high-value cost-conscious care. It also features a simulation curriculum, multidisciplinary teams, and an emphasis on procedural skills and expertise for interested residents.

Ascension Saint Agnes fosters a supportive and non-punitive learning environment, recognizing the importance of lives outside of medicine. Residents become part of the Ascension Saint Agnes family, enjoying social events and gatherings outside the clinical environment to foster collegiality and professional growth. Teaching affiliations with Johns Hopkins Hospital and opportunities for elective and research at both Ascension Saint Agnes and at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins enhance the residency experience. House staff are also actively involved in teaching medical students and research.

The program offers competitive salaries, benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, subscriptions to UpToDate, ACP memberships, complimentary MKSAP curriculum, extensive medical resources, support for publications, a resident lounge, free parking, lab coats with laundry service, and free food in the resident lounge. Salary information for the program is provided, with PGY-1 starting at $57,666, PGY-2 at $59,313, and PGY-3 at $61,879.

Ascension Saint Agnes addresses the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting interviews virtually to ensure the safety and well-being of applicants.

The medical residency faculty is comprised of experienced and board-certified physicians across various specialties, providing a rich mentorship and learning environment. The goals and objectives for internal medicine residents are clearly outlined, emphasizing proficiency in clinical data management, diagnostic and therapeutic planning, communication, ethical practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Competencies are aligned with the American Board of Internal Medicine, covering patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.

The curriculum integrates a multidisciplinary interactive longitudinal curriculum with a focus on quality improvement and patient safety. Residents participate in quality improvement projects, attend administrative and QIPS elective rotations, and engage in teaching conferences and workshops to enhance their learning and professional development.

Testimonials from former residents highlight the supportive environment, quality teaching, and comprehensive training that prepared them for successful careers in internal medicine.

The Primary Care Track, introduced in 2015, offers an intensified and diverse ambulatory care experience with close mentorship and focused learning on outpatient care in various specialties relevant to primary care.

The program's application process is detailed, including a recommended early application submission for maximum consideration. The program participates in the supplemental ERAS application and conducts virtual interviews due to COVID-19. The program sponsors J1 and H1-B visas, and while U.S. clinical experience is preferred, it is not a strict requirement.

Ascension Saint Agnes provides a nurturing and supportive environment for internal medicine residents to develop their clinical skills, engage in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and prepare for successful careers in medicine.