Summa Health System Program

The Summa Health Emergency Medicine Residency offers a comprehensive training experience in emergency medicine at one of the largest and most advanced emergency departments (ED) in the region. With a commitment to delivering high-quality education, Summa Health System in Akron features a Level 1 Trauma Center, a Certified Chest Pain Center, and a Certified Stroke Center, providing residents with a diverse range of clinical experiences and exposure to various emergency cases 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes a well-structured rotation schedule and extensive didactic sessions. Didactics occur weekly on Thursday mornings, held in the Emergency Administration auditorium. These sessions encompass resident-driven lectures, guest lectures, and a monthly dedicated Simulation Day 1. The curriculum supports a robust educational environment with a sample didactic schedule that includes Foundations of Emergency Medicine, Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) sessions, and a Journal Club that focuses on critical appraisal of recent literature 1.

Elective Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to explore various elective rotations that enrich their residency experience. Elective opportunities include Addiction Medicine, Advocacy, Critical Care, Hospital Administration, EMS, Global Health, Palliative Care, Simulation, Ultrasound, and Wilderness Medicine 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research plays a crucial role in the residency, with numerous opportunities available throughout the training. Residents are encouraged to engage in projects aligned with their interests alongside core faculty members, culminating in presentations at major conferences such as the Ohio ACEP Resident Assembly and the SAEM CORD 1. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly activity and provides necessary resources for residents to conduct their research effectively 1.

Fellowship Options

Upon graduation, residents have several fellowship options available. Common fellowship paths pursued by alumni include specialties such as Sports Medicine, Simulation, Pulmonary Disease & Critical Care Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and Addiction Medicine 1.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to graduates from medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), colleges of osteopathic medicine accredited by the AOA, and international medical graduates holding a valid ECFMG certificate. Additionally, applicants must have completed both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 or COMLEX exams. For international medical graduates, the program only considers applicants with J-1 visa status 3.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Interviews are extended by invitation and typically run from the end of October to early February. The Match date follows the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) timeline 5.

Visa Sponsorship and Support

Summa Health System provides visa support, specifically for applicants who qualify for J-1 visas. This ensures that international medical graduates can pursue residency training at Summa Health without visa-related concerns, as J-1 visa holders will be considered for residency positions 3.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Summa Health Emergency Medicine Residency aims to recruit a diverse group of residents. The selection process evaluates candidates based on their preparedness, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities, ensuring a fair ranking system that does not discriminate based on gender, age, race, or background 3. The program is known to be competitive but welcomes applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment 3.

Stipends and Benefits

Residents at Summa Health receive a competitive stipend package that varies based on the postgraduate year. The package includes three weeks of vacation per year, coverage for health and dental insurance, and a monthly food allowance 6. Additional benefits include wellness programs, on-call quarters, and relocation assistance 6. The program values wellness, offering various support resources such as an employee assistance program and opportunities for recreational activities 6.

Conclusion of Training and Beyond

Graduates of the Summa Health Emergency Medicine Residency have successfully pursued various career paths, including academic positions and fellowships, equipping them with the necessary skills and experiences to excel in emergency medicine practice 4.