Tower Health Program

The Tower Health Program in Geriatric Medicine (Internal Medicine) offers an extensive residency training experience that encompasses a variety of unique learning opportunities and practice settings. The program is designed to provide in-depth, personalized education tailored to the needs of each resident.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured around core competencies in decision-making, communication, patient safety, and clinical inquiry. Residents participate in a unique x+y schedule comprising four weeks of inpatient work followed by two weeks of outpatient experiences. This structure allows for seamless learning transitions between the inpatient and outpatient settings, promoting holistic patient care. Additionally, the program includes year-long experiential training in practice improvement, research inquiry, and professional development through a distinctive portfolio program that encourages self-reflection and mastery of skills 1.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents have access to a diverse set of training sites, including Reading Hospital, which boasts one of the busiest emergency departments in Pennsylvania. This exposure helps residents develop a well-rounded understanding of various disease states and treatment paradigms 1. The rotations cover a wide array of internal medicine disciplines, enabling residents to gain insights into multiple subspecialties, including those related to geriatrics, such as cardiology and endocrinology.

Research Opportunities

The program offers numerous research opportunities, emphasizing the importance of scholarly activity in residency training. Residents are encouraged to work closely with faculty mentors and take part in quality improvement projects that seek to enhance patient care. Participation in research not only cultivates important academic skills but also enriches the residency experience 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the Tower Health program is its emphasis on social responsibility and community care, particularly through its Street Medicine program, which addresses healthcare disparities for underserved populations. Residents are actively involved in outreach programs, including free clinics and home-based care services for homeless individuals 1. This service-oriented approach not only enhances resident education but reinforces the practice of empathy and compassion in medicine.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly to international medical graduates, offering J-1 and H-1 visa sponsorship options. The lack of a graduation year cutoff and a selective, holistic review process for applications reflect the program's commitment to inclusivity 1. Successful candidates typically demonstrate high scores on the USMLE, ideally above 220 for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, preferably on the first attempt. The program is highly competitive, as it seeks to attract well-rounded applicants who can demonstrate exceptional academic and clinical performance.

Special Application Requirements

Application requirements include a comprehensive set of documents submitted through ERAS, such as a common application form, medical school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. International graduates must also submit their ECFMG status report and achieve the aforementioned USMLE score benchmarks 1. Importantly, candidates with multiple attempts on any USMLE step may not be considered.

Supportive Learning Environment

Graduates of the program consistently attest to the positive mentoring relationships fostered during their training at Tower Health. The faculty's commitment to teaching creates a collaborative environment where residents receive frequent feedback and support to enhance their learning and development 1. The curriculum is anchored in wellness principles, recognizing the importance of mental and physical health as integral to developing resilient healthcare professionals.

Program Tracks

The Tower Health program offers multiple tracks to accommodate residents' diverse career goals. The traditional track prepares residents for hospitalist medicine, fellowship training, and other pathways, while the primary care track emphasizes outpatient skills necessary for a successful career in general internal medicine or subspecialties. The Osteopathic Recognition Track is available for graduates of COCA-accredited DO programs, integrating osteopathic principles into the residency experience 1.