Residency Advisor
Oakland, CA

Specialty:

Internal medicine

ACGME Code:

1400500011
YOG 5

The Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Internal Medicine Residency Program is designed to nurture the next generation of physicians while providing a rigorous clinical training environment that emphasizes inquiry, scholarship, and quality improvement. Located in Oakland, California, the program is affiliated with Sutter Health, which allows residents to engage deeply with diverse patient populations, offering high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centered care throughout their training.

Curriculum Overview

Residents will experience a comprehensive curriculum that includes rotations in both general internal medicine and its subspecialties. The program's curriculum is divided into three progressive years of training:

  • PGY-1 Year: Key experiences include 16 weeks of inpatient medicine, 10 weeks of continuity clinic, exposure to various subspecialties such as infectious disease and cardiology or gastroenterology, and essential training in areas like medical ICU and nephrology.
  • PGY-2 Year: Residents continue to build on their foundation with rotations similar to the first year, alongside opportunities for elective rotations to explore particular interests.
  • PGY-3 Year: The final year focuses on advanced care with additional responsibilities, including end-of-life and emergency medicine experiences, alongside a broadened role in continuity of care.

This structured approach ensures that by the end of the program, residents will have developed a robust skillset necessary for independent practice.

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Didactic Activities

The Alta Bates Summit Medical Center places a strong emphasis on educational rigor through didactic activities that include:

  • Basic Science Lectures to establish foundational medical knowledge.
  • Clinical Case Conferences to foster problem-solving skills by reviewing real patient cases.
  • Journal Clubs, promoting critical appraisal of the literature.
  • Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conferences, enhancing understanding of clinical errors and systems improvement.
  • Quality Improvement and Safety initiatives, enabling residents to contribute actively to enhancing patient care.

These activities are designed to foster life-long learning and the development of competent, reflective practitioners.

5

Research Opportunities

Being part of a newer, innovative program, residents are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement initiatives. Collaborations within the Sutter Health network allow access to resources that can further enhance research endeavors. Residents have opportunities to participate in various projects that focus on community health needs and patient care improvement.

7

Application Information

To apply to the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Internal Medicine Residency Program, candidates must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program welcomes M.D. and D.O. graduates from U.S. medical schools, as well as recognized international medical graduates. The requirements include:

  • Standard ERAS application
  • Three letters of recommendation, with one preferably from the department chair
  • Personal statement and transcripts
  • USMLE scores and Dean’s letter

Interviews are conducted by invitation only. Notably, the program does not currently sponsor J1 or H1B visas, which may affect international medical graduates' ability to apply.

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Community Engagement and Well-Being

The residency program is not only focused on clinical excellence but also emphasizes community engagement. Residents participate in various initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and addressing community health challenges. Furthermore, the program places significant importance on the well-being of its residents by providing structured support and mentoring, addressing the challenges inherent in residency training.

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Living in Oakland

Oakland's temperate climate offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The vibrant cultural and recreational landscape of the Bay Area enhances the residency experience, allowing residents to balance their demanding schedules with enriching personal experiences and professional networking opportunities.

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Website

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Location
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Prestige
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Schedule / Training

Director

Harish Kumar Rengarajan, MD, MBA
Program Director
Appointed Since
September 2023
-

Program

Program Size

19, 19, 19 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Initial Accreditation since September 2023

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First Year Average Weekly Hours:

72 hours

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:

12 hours

First Year Salary:

$74,284

First Year Paid Vacation:

20 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

Unlimited days

Training

Fellowship Rate:
-
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
0.3X
Residents Career Path
-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:
-
Visa Sponsorship:
-
YOG Cutoff:
5

Location

Oakland, CA

Population
440,646
Income
$96,828
Education
47.2%
Employment
65.1%
Health
5.8%
Age
38
Above the national average
Below the national average
Similar to the national average

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Oakland, CA

  • Crime Rate and Safety
    Oakland has had higher crime rates compared to other areas in California. However, certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's recommended to research specific areas before choosing a place to live.
  • Fun Activities
    Oakland offers a vibrant arts scene, diverse cuisine, proximity to wineries in Napa Valley, and outdoor activities in nearby parks like Redwood Regional Park.
  • Climate
    Oakland has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. Temperatures rarely go below freezing or above 90°F, making it relatively comfortable year-round.
  • Races and Population
    Oakland is known for its diverse population with a mix of ethnicities and cultures, contributing to a rich tapestry of communities.
  • Education
    Oakland has a variety of education options, including public and private schools, universities like UC Berkeley and Mills College, and cultural institutions like the Oakland Museum of California.
  • Cost of Living
    The cost of living in Oakland is relatively high, especially housing costs. It's essential to budget accordingly and consider roommates or shared housing options.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities
    Oakland is about a 30-minute drive to San Francisco, a major city with cultural attractions, tech hubs, and a bustling nightlife. San Jose is approximately an hour's drive away, providing access to Silicon Valley opportunities.
  • Pros
    Cultural diversity, proximity to San Francisco, variety of dining options, good weather.
  • Cons
    Higher crime rates in some areas, expensive cost of living, traffic congestion.

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