Temple University Hospital Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Temple University Hospital is a comprehensive training program designed to nurture exceptional clinician-educators, leaders, and advocates in the medical field. The program prides itself on a mission that emphasizes outstanding clinical care, dedication to societal needs, and the promotion of wellness and professional development among its faculty and residents

Curriculum Overview

The program's curriculum is structured around diverse educational experiences that cover essential aspects of internal medicine. Residents participate in a variety of rotations, including both inpatient and outpatient settings, equipping them with the essential skills needed to provide high-quality patient care. Throughout the three years of training, residents engage in core experiences such as cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and more, thereby gaining a robust foundation in general internal medicine while also allowing for specialization through electives.

Community Engagement Curriculum

A distinctive feature of the residency program is its Community Engagement Curriculum, focused on addressing the needs of North Philadelphia. Residents participate in community outreach projects from their first year, enhancing their understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by the population. This experiential learning helps residents navigate diverse community health challenges and develop advocacy skills.

Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Curriculum

The Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QI/PS) Curriculum is integral to the training, emphasizing hands-on learning and problem-solving in clinical settings. Residents are trained to implement quality improvement projects within the framework of patient safety, thus enhancing their preparedness for real-world challenges as they move into independent practice.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital aspect of the program, with multiple avenues for residents to engage in scholarly activity. The program's infrastructure supports research initiatives ranging from basic science to clinical investigations. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Department of Medicine's research projects and can apply for various awards to support their efforts. The annual Sol Sherry Research Symposium showcases residents' work and serves as a platform to present their findings to peers and faculty.

Training Sites

Residents primarily train at Temple University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center and the largest safety-net hospital in the region, which offers a diverse and complex patient population. This exposure is supplemented with rotations at other facilities within the Temple Health System, enabling residents to gain experience in specialized settings such as the Fox Chase Cancer Center and TUH-Jeanes Campus.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Chief Resident Leadership

Chief residents play a critical role, serving as mentors and leaders within the program. Selected for their clinical and educational acumen, they provide guidance and facilitate various program elements while also managing clinical responsibilities. This leadership model fosters a culture of collaboration and support among all trainees.

Mentorship and Faculty Involvement

The program boasts a strong faculty-resident relationship, ensuring that each resident receives personalized mentorship throughout their training. Faculty members are deeply committed to education, guiding residents in both clinical skills and research activities. Residents benefit from the diversity of expertise among faculty, who represent numerous subspecialties within internal medicine.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To gain admission, applicants must submit a complete application through ERAS along with academic transcripts, USMLE scores, and letters of recommendation. The program is competitive, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds including DO and IMG applicants. Notably, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates enrolled in residency.

Candidate Requirements

In addition to meeting standard application prerequisites, candidates should be recent graduates from medical school (typically within the last five years) and demonstrate a commitment to serving the community through prior experiences. Maximum limits for failed Step exams may be outlined, generally favoring applicants with minimal academic setbacks.

Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers a vibrant and accessible living environment for residents. The city is rich in cultural history and has a lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas on the East Coast. With housing options ranging from urban apartments to suburban residences, residents can choose a neighborhood that fits their lifestyle preferences.

Wellness and Life Balance

Recognizing the demands of residency, the program prioritizes resident wellness and work-life balance. Structured time for self-care and support resources are woven into the residency experience to help maintain personal and professional health.